RE: The new MAN
Dave,
Don't forget that magazines used to sell plans sets (one sheet, printed on both sides) that contained plans for all the construction models in that issue (I say models because some were boats and cars). That may account for the smaller number.
Some mags do not have all plans available from their beginning. For instance, I think Flying Models had a fire at one time and only has plans available after that time. I believe this also happened to another mag (American Modeler?).
One of the most complete plans libraries was created by John Pond. John took on the task of preserving as many plans as he could. Since John's passing, AMA has acquired these plans and will someday make them available.
At one time a magazine would print so many plans sets and had to warehouse them until they were gone. I remember MAN having a sale on left-over plans sets just to get rid of them.
George