I wonder if there are really fewer builders or just a whole lot more buy & fliers. There has always been somewhat of a market for people who build for the enjoyment and could sell their efforts to someone who would rather just fly. I suspect there wasn't really a lot of money in it, but cheap labor in the global economy has made for a more lucrative market.

It's also interesting to note the DIY craze that fuels the Home Depots and Lowes behemoths. Maybe at some point it will become "stylish" to build your own model too.