Maybe it's server dynamics or varying standards, but I've found making money with leatherworking to be quite easy. Having taken skinning as my 2nd trade, I do little in the way of purchasing mats, and by lvl 30 my hunter had made well over 100g in profits.
My lw lvl must have been right around 200 @ lvl 30, certainly not any higher. You should be able to keep your toon very well equipped as well, with all superior weapons from lvl 15 up with these 2 trades. By the time i reach lvl 40(34 now), my mount will have been paid for well in advance, and I will have superior weapons in all available abilities. Being that I'm a hunter, that pretty much means everything but maces and wands.
If you think you have to be at the highest levels in lw skill to make money, you're going about it the wrong way. I suggest you look closer at the AH regarding what actually sells in relation to what you can produce.