There are several hobby guys that I know who no longer hobby.

These guys during the hobby boom would spend $8000-$50,000 a year in the dc hobby economy.

Men are expecting more of a higher grade service for the dollars that are being spent.  I know there have been many times where I decided to not make an appointment because I didn't think it would be worth the dollar.  I started looking else where at lower cost in the latina community but I found the product they produce is still a ways off from being commercial. In other words they still need to work out the kinks in the presentation and delivery. I have only had one really incredible experience in the last 7 months. All others have been non-eventful. Not bad but nothing to write home about. Unfortunately the one that was incredible is a visitor. So I don't spend as much because I can't find the complete package I want.  I know I am not the only one.

I grow tired of all the *chick-mancing* on the boards. Not to mention their bitching about "visitors".

i'll spend my money on the visitors(save a few).

Obviously there is less being spent because most of it was coming from the large bonuses people were getting a few years ago.  That has obviously stopped for many.  

For myself the number one reason I have slowed down has nothing to do with finances.  I am just having an issue with the increase in screening and advanced appointments.  Back when I started into the hobby it was enough to wake up, feel the itch and make a call and then voila!  A few hours later you had an appointment with a top notch provider in the area.  

Today every woman wants to screen me with a very intense amount of personal info (which we all know is never disposed of...we've seen all the busts on TV and the papers to prove it time and time again) and then they want to set up my appointment for 2-4 days later.  I understand their need for this, so I am not complaining (lamenting maybe...)but it does remove the spontaneous aspect of this hobby that I personally found enjoyable.  I enjoy hobbying because it's an escape from reality.  If I have to make an appointment and basically fill out forms then it becomes exactly what I am trying to escape.  

Bit off topic I suppose.  But that's why I am spending less at least.  Also, I am of course referring to seeing top notch independent ladies here.  Agencies are another animal, but they are usually lacking for me.

Be it getting caught by SO, dying, being too old and impotent, getting bored, or all of the above, hobbyists retire all the time. . . and replaced by new ones.

I thougth it was just me but you're right the increased screening has become too much to bear.  hence I've slowed my activity just on that point alone.  I, like you, enjoyed the spontanaity of the hobby thing (participant for 10+ years).  So this wave of increased screenin and "dont call my number until you fill out the form."  what is this the DMV.

Not to go into the value discussion.  Now I just look for what may be a good roll in the hay, at a reasonalble price, with some review verification on potential service levels without all the verification and seemingly endless back-and-forth kinda kills the mood and spontanaity.

Not in any particular order

Increased likelyhood of LE issues
Economy
Increased verification requirements

Also could be that one visiting provider who I
am in lust with..no one else seems to measure up!

1, the economy
2. It is getting too much like work to try to set something up. too much riff raff  
3. Haven't ran into any fun loving girls i have ran into a bunch of  Business women which is cool but not for me i like a GND RB GFE. you have the best times in places you never expect i have been getting lost too much.  
4. Have 16 white lists and that isn't good enough for some people
5. Not too much that is compelling or exciting of all the people i have visited can only remember like 5
6. Bad locations and bad pics  
Just on a side note i have had better luck with the agencies then some locals indies i guess i just lucked out  

I agree there are times when it seems like you have to provider so much this and that. The weather is actually a factor for me.

Weather, screening, ability to evade the SO...lots of factors.

watch this video and you will know why we are NOW hurting.  

What a real State of the Union looks like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QFLsxeEl5I&feature=channel