I'm not sure you can read too much into models going missing. Things in life change very quickly for people..I've always spent upwards of $80 a month on pay sites. Not at the moment though. I've finally ditched my credit card, and gone for a pre-pay card instead. This in an attempt to manage my funds more carefully.
Here's an example of personal behaviour change. I used to just sit with sites that I love month after month. Partly as I saw it as a gesture of support to the producer, even if the updates were not particularly consistent.
Now I join the site for a month only. Have 2-3 weeks off, then rejoin. I can't do anything else...I just don't have the funds.
Another thing. I agree that every site needs a stand out model, but in this climate producers need to raise their game. There are PLENTY out there that don't update on time. You're obviously going to get hit pretty hard if you are one of those sites..(I know SS and Specialized are shining examples in the update frequency stakes, but you know what I mean)
