crowfunding websites may have a promoting effect but its not the main goal of such websites, its just a side effect

I think that most of the indie games are played by indie game developers OR game developers(those ones who work on big companies), and less by "just gamers".
i hardly disagree here, i know alot of people who are just gamer and like to play indie or casual games instead of AAA title
and i also know alot game developer who mostly play mmos or AAA title and only rarely indie titles
and when you look at the app stores where most developer can be described as indies you know that the comments and rating may not come from developers (i mean no developer would blame you for putting advertising in your games to get some cash but some kiddies still do)

Conferences cost money and you normally only reach a small audience there but yeah if you go there its still helpful to talk about your games