Isn't the expected value of most options trades (spreads or not) close to zero?
I'm not sure you can alter that fact that by bailing early, since you will be bailing out of both winners AND losers--you just won't know which.
Unless you can be right (more often than chance) about the direction of price or the direction of volatility, you cannot make money trading options. You are better off trying to perfect your prediction skills by using some type of fundamental or technical analysis than fussing with all those legs and adjustments and fancy trades. In the long run, you cannot adjust your way to profits.
And yes, one can make money buying options. I have been doing it for years.