Don't Invent If You Can't Protect Your Patent

This book discusses how much the odds are stacked against a small inventor with limited funds. From small to big time legal and illegal counterfeiters and copycats to little to no government support for the small inventors against their battle with counterfeiters and copycats. Add to this is the fact that many consumers don't care if a product is a counterfeit as long as it's cheap. Another thing to consider is the high cost and the headaches of running one's own business.
Can a small inventor even win against these odds today? Are there good alternatives to the inventing business which offers the same and even superior financial compensation?