Yes, increase in iTrader is waste of time. I work and I don't even get iTraders. I have completed more works than my iTrader. I only look my paypal account after finishing my work.
That's right, it is the thing that you should look to when you have completed your work given by your client. Its your work that tells the client about your quality and experience and not your i-traders. You should try and improve your writing skills to grab attention of more clients so that you are not sitting idle anytime.