I first apologize if I don't align with others and they may be annoyed by my response, but here goes.
I wouldn't say it's going down the tubes. I'd say it's well down the tubes and nearing the septic tank or sewer. Local hobby shops used to dot the Chicago suburbs where I lived. Big ones like Al's Hobby in Elmhurst, Venture Hobbies in Buffalo Grove and many smaller ones. They're all gone. Call it internet retail sales in the hobby industry. However, I try to buy things online and continually see, "Discontinued". They're gone. Tried to buy anything from Robart lately? Sig's trying to rebound but still has no RC kits and many things that come up "Discontinued". I'd like to buy a larger gasoline engine. I just went to Horizon and searched on DLE and Zenoah. Nothing but parts and one DLE engine listed as "Inventory Reduction Sale". I don't really want a twin 170cc.
I started in 1970 when there were no ARFs only kits, no CA, silk and dope, Monokote was introduced in the mid 70's. Want a radio, they were everywhere. Kraft, Proline, Futaba, Expert, Ace, Tower, Orbit, the list goes on and on.
I'm not saying I hate ARFs, I have a couple and they help those that don't want to build fly sooner than later. But what I am saying is the hobby has changed greatly. Building airplanes is becoming few and far between. The materials that was readily abundant is well, "Discontinued".
I traveled to Europe often for business. The hobby, in my opinion, is much more popular there than in the States. I always thought it's because air battle there during WW2 was everyday life. Not in America. There are so many aircraft museums in Europe but a handful in America compared to the size of the country and population. Every 3 years my father and I would drive to the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio and spend 2 days. We'd fly every weekend. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to the field on a Saturday and Sunday over the past 15 years and there is no one there but me.
I truly hope I'm wrong, I love the hobby, but I'm not feeling it so well.