As of 10 days ago, I played $5 3:2 blackjack at: Ellis Island (a block behind Bally's) Gold Coast (it was a continuous shuffle machine, but they do have at least one double-deck game at $5--the table was full) Aria (albeit, it was electronic, the "Playboy" themed game facing the pit across the casino from the guest elevators) Bally's had its usual $10 3:2 game during the day; I didn't pass through there at night.
The problem with $5 blackjack is that there is no way the casino can make a $5 table profitable without adding side bets or gimmicks. The overhead for the table, maintenance, checks, dealer, etc is just too high now. No matter how well they maximize hands per hour, a full table won't really make money-the game is there as a courtesy to get you in so you'll play other games or slots. The games still exist, but they're certainly not profit centers.
Lots of people (sometimes, in my experience, the majority) bet more than the table minimum. But I agree that at some point the $10 table is going to be the new $5 table.
When you come from the Aria into the Monte Carlo through the shops and The Pub there was a $5 table pretty much right when you enter the casino and it was at night or early evening that I remember.
Plus you end up with the beginners and the people just screwing around at the $5 tables. Rarely do I see anyone who knows what they are doing at a $5 table (although it happens sometimes).
More than the higher limit tables, sure, but keep in mind that other players' play does not affect you in the long run. Also I've never played with anyone, up to $50 minimum tables, who played perfect basic strategy.
I don't see how a $5 table isn't profitable. At my local, I see people doubling hard fives, and like 80% of people double a hard 8.
Maybe that has just been my experience. I tend to run into people who understand the game at higher limit tables. Fact or fiction, I feel like the play of the table does affect me because I dont play long term (as defined by statistics).
I remember playing $3 minimum at Gold Spike, El Cortez, and Circus Circus not so long ago. I think that was 2012 or so. Time flies!
I didn't state it right: It's not a long-term thing. Since you don't know the next cards, their bad play can equally affect you positively or negatively on each hand. But I understand where you're coming from; it can be frustrating when it doesn't work out.