Great discussion! I come and go from the hobby, and my board activity mirrors this, for the most part. This includes two periods during ASPD (I was around when it shut down) and now here with the reinvention.
Although I do not have the more complete experience to draw from, as many of you, the intermitance has provided different perspectives from several points in time. I agree with a lot of the great observations offered already, especially Bubba's and Grump's.
I wouldn't be surprised if the economy was not as big an influence as you might think (on numbers not gift amounts). Population density is a good call. More technology, and more use of it is a good call. I would like to add culture change. The youngers are different and have a different experience. Newb, this probably plays into your question as well.
No apologies necessary for the rant. It was food for thought. I hadn't really reflected on this. And as far as the slump, just get outta Baytown! (just kidding)
Happy Easter to all of you.