Some of you might not have noticed but there is an economic crisis in the world at the moment. Most people have their fists wrapped around their funds so tight that it will take a horse and a tub of petroleum jelly to get it out...
I think it's a combination of things... Google hitting directories back in September and then the recent change to their guidelines, plus the economy. At the end of the day it's a good thing as far as I'm concerned. This industry has needed a good clean out for a while now.
I think you're right. As for the economy stuff, it is really hitting everything hard. Just in the small town I live in, businesses are dropping left and right.