How stubborn are graduate schools when accepting applicants?

Going strictly by the numbers, overall GPA counts but also the GPA in the last year or two. If it is above the overall average that will help. We understand that it often takes a year to get on track and grades may suffer a little. Also, the last year or two is focused on the meat of the degree. If you demonstrate competence in those courses, it is a positive. It's assumed that graduate courses will be more focused in the degree discipline and less so on general education requirements where your GPA may have been lower.

If you have real life experiance after college they count that as well.

A higher gmat means you can have a lower gpa, a higher gpa means you can have a lower gmat, and real life experiance at a job helps lower both those factors.. depending on the major and school.

Also in my area graduate admissions have declined and a fast rate so they are lowering admission requirements.

If it's a competitive or selective grad school, forget it.

Otherwise it's basic supply and demand. They want to fill their slots and make a buck off of you, rather than lose a cent.

I second Anthony. It is getting easier over all, and alot of factors (GMAT and work experience) plus who you are matter. Distinguish yourself in your essay. Can you claim any bizarre or exotic characeristics? Showing determination also matters a lot.