I see lower cost pattern planes hitting the market that will open the field to more participation, but it takes time. For instance, I know you can put an Osiris or an Angel 50e together for about $1200, and w/ the 2m Vanquish, the higher echelons are within reach.

This year, I'd imagine the continued bad economy, gas prices, plus the terrible weather across the region has a lot to do with it. In northern Cal, it's been really hard to find practice weather for a long time now.