Phillip Marlowe has hit the nail on the head. Almost every point he has made is exactly the problem with bowling. I've tried to make this point a million times on this site and most don't seem to realize bowling's problem is the competition with other entertainment businesses. Plus there is all the school and outside activities kids are into now, that they weren't, around 25 years ago. Parents are on the run continually. This in turn creates problems getting people to commit to long league schedules. Proprietors have resorted to super soft conditions to try and increase interest in league bowling and drink sales. That has made some bowlers and the USBC call for tougher lane conditions, which I believe would turn some bowlers away. It's a vicious circle. I can't say what the answer is exactly. League bowling is going to shrink, at what point it stops reamins to be seen.