I personally feel that you would be able to make money faster and bigger in mainstream than adult based on the current economy and circumstances. Especially if you are doing email marketing, and long term effective data management.
Based on my past experience in adult, it is not to say that you can't shoot content, make a website, and then work to drive traffic. Because you can. However, I would think the cost involved and learning curve in some ways would be harder and less profitable than spending that same time and money in mainstream by comparison. Especially for those older affiliates who already have solid experience in building websites, tracking conversions, etc..
