I agree, that's why I still Mexico a few times a year, and anything I am driving sees WOT in high gear a few times a week
Im saying for the average person-factor in the dumbing down of america with Facebook/Other social media. We are growing up in a time where the majority of 16 year olds "dont see the point" of a driver's license. THESE are the times we are living in!
Also, the "fastest wallet" aspect is a factor. Bac int eh late 90's early 2000s everyone had 12 second cars, and if you where itn eh 10s you were REALLY fast. You could have tons of races anywhere you went. Now, thanks to Money and technology, any nerd with no Drivers skill can swipe a credit card and go 8s with the AC on sipping starbucks driving with one hand. That has taken some fun out of the game as well.