Interesting post, Pete! I think it's changed, even though I'm not as active as I once was...it's noticeable. But with most things in life...there's bound to be change, so like you said...how can we as a community accommodate new members and new dimensions of this hobby?!?
It's been said before, but there will always be the drop in for what you need and leave folks and then the members who take years to build a watch. It's diverse, to say the least!
Rob nailed it on the head and one of the best things to come from this forum is the connections and friendships made because of our love for things that tick!