I also don't think there is any way to retain interest and activity in the sport by people who really aren't that into it. If they don't want to do it they aren't going to do it. There's no way to beg them to stay if their done, and it's silly to think you're going to somehow hypnotise them by strategic marketing and make them sleepwalk in a trance into the local dive shop to spend thousands on classes, gear, and trips before they know what hit them.
But if that's what people in the industry want then great. I personally don't see anything sustainable about that approach.
I was trying to make a suggestion as to what could be done differently to improve the current situation. Perhaps we should look at this as a very solvable problem instead of an impossible one. It has existed for so long I think everyone is use to it. Let me shed some light on this subject for everyone.
The first basic hurdle which has not been touched in my opinion is connecting with a group or population, using their language of communication to relay an impressionable message that says " I've got to try that". Marketing has done a poor job at this, or perhaps they have not even considered to do so.
If a lot of people do try it, you will have some who will lose interest lose but they may pick it back up as the popularity grows!
A lot can speculate as to how this can not be accomplished but the truth is it has not been tried, no one has the vision to put this together at this time, and I guess it is a normal inclination for most to feel it is just not going to happen.
I'm of the mind set "It is what you make it to be".
Anything worth anything sell its self , because of the hard work you put into it.
Frank G
www.zgearinc.com