Of course that specialized firms ( factories ) can make cheaper but the problem seems to be quantity , as you already mentioned.
But not only the quantity is the rule..........the main rule remain ordered surface / order.
The "professional look" of board it depends of file quality in more than 75 %.
With 1200 dpi black traces , the quality is near industrial released.
Most of presented pcb's are done it from jpeg images with 300 dpi ( 600 dpi sometimes )
TINNING is better than SOLDERMASK ( sometimes ) ,,,,,,,, and is more expensive.
Anyhow I don't want to compete with nobody ....'cause is only a weekend hobby and will remain like this.
My pcb's are done for prototyping , home made application and for private use.
The minimum order to me is one pce !!! ( and never mind the minimum size / pcb )
All the best,
Mihai