The new (November 2013) issue of Fine Scale Modeler arrived the other day and it would seem that the manufacturers are embracing the noting that "bigger is better". First off there is the 1/24 P-47 Thunderbolt from Vintage Fighter Series. Second up is the 1/32 F4U-1 Corsair from Tamiya. And then there is the 1/32 A-1D (AD4) Skyraider from Trumpeter.
Combining this with the 1/32 WWI offerings from Wingnut Wings and it would seem that the manufacturers are more than aware of the aging customer base and gearing their production towards catering to them. Larger kits to make it easier for aging eyes as well as offering substantial detail right out of the box (and the inevitable price tag that goes with such high quality) are the best indicator yet as how the industry sees the market.
The discussing of the state of the hobby (dying or growing) has been had often enough and I haven't changed my opinion of it but I must say that these new kits are wonderful to see. The willingness to embrace the call for highend quality and attention to already included details show that these manufacturers are indeed responsive to both marketing trends and customer feedback. Good on them.