Mac,
"Again, the people interested in electronics were chased off by the old firetruckers and expressed their interests in other ways outside of ham radio."
I firmly believe that if one loves a hobby, no matter what it might be, he will stick with it, learning more with each qso, experiment, rag chew, problem solved, etc. It becomes a snow-balling experience that very possibly may find outlets in other facets of hobbyism. (Is that a word?)
ie: Installing a 2 meter rig into a vehicle and solving a problem that comes up, diverting himself off in a new direction, finding a "second love" so to speak. Thus devoting himself more in that direction, learning more …… And so it goes. Perhaps in a few years he might return to the original hobby. <hidden text> And discover that it has all changed, so darn it all, he has to practically start all over again. @#$%^&*!!<End text> LOL
Charlie, K3UIM