Many bidders don't mean many options, there is a lot frozen, canceled and unfinished projects*
Placing 100+ bids, no time read them all, don't award from your side only (will be rejected)!
Already have main job, no urgent and rush projects (that's also mean no low cost, easy and fast jobs)!
For projects that I accept like interesting can do free test sample (at least to improve my portfolio)!
* If you want 40 pages book illustrations for $250 please waste your time with other freelancer.