I can tell you my friend who ran solo(Jack Dixon knows him as well)actally did a hell of a lot more then 500 miles a week.He did many transfers,many loads to AZ,and Nevada,and exceeded $2500.00(fuel was minimum compared to 48 states) most weeks.His biggest complaint was he was on call 6 days a week,24 hours a day.
FEDEX may not be perfect,but they keep their word when it comes to operating agreements,at least that has been my experience over the last 6 years.I have never had 1 statement disagreement that we have not worked out.
I have considered putting a truck on solo in the West,as I know the potential.Just have not had the extra truck to try it.