"Good points...does this mean other high end receivers are soon to
disappear?"
JS Unfortunately it is much easier to list the receiver manufacturers
that remain than it is to list the numerous companies that have dropped
over the past 20 years. The only high-end maker I'm aware of is Japan
Radio, and they are what I would call a niche company. Unless things
changed recently Icom and Yaesu announced they were pulling out. Look
at the advertisements in the latest Passport to WBR - there is ONE
company Eton advertising shortwave radios.


"Another simple question that would seem hard to answer...why are radio

clubs closing and SWL dying out? "
JS Fewer people are intrigued by the prospect of figuring out
propogation for noisy crackly broadcasts from far away lands. The
internet, cable TV, satellite radio, local radio, etc., provide faster,
more reliable and quieter access to information about the the world
than shortwave radio. Shortwave radio was once THE way to hear about
goings on from around the world, but there is a lot of very good
competition these days. I enjoy listening to both broadcast and
amateur radio stations, but I realize that I'm in a shrinking minority.


"I do know that ham fests are a shadow of what they used to be."
JS Haven't been to one for over 10 years. The last ones I attended
were kind of sorry affairs. Mostly dilapidated ham and ancient
computer gear in worn out boxes that had seen way too many shows.

I have not been to Dayton for awhile...is it also dying out?
JS Don't know, but I would assume it reflects the changes that are
also effecting the amateur radio hobby.