Just a thought. I think that many of the upper end manufacturers are getting priced out of the introductory rod market by big box retailers such as cabelas. While the big box retailers often get a bad name in this area they are often the way to go. It is now possible to get an introductory fly set up with a decent rod and reel that comes with a warranty from one of these retailers for around $100 which is much less than the average price that your article quoted for orvis rods. While it is too bad that the orvis, sage, and the other fly rod specialists have not made inroads into this market it makes sense when you think about the economy of scale. This was how I got my start in fly fishing and by being able to have some early success without a lot invested (when I didn't have a lot to invest). Now that I am actually a good enough caster to be able to tell the difference between fly rod actions I tend to be picky-er about my fly rod choices and willing to spend the money to get the results that I want. I don't foresee the big names in fly fishing changing this trend any time soon. However, there is a time and a place for all things and for the begginer that wants an inexpensive rod that still has decent performance and a warranty, cabelas may be the place rather than the local fly shop.

Just a different perspective on this discussion perhaps. Hopefully when the novices that have bought their rods at cabelas have learned to cast well enough to want a better rod the economy will have improved to the point that they will be able to visit the local fly shop.