I know, I am hungry for popcorn now!!!!!
Yeah, everyone gets exposed in different ways.
The one thing I wish to touch upon which Bob mentioned is the difference in how people got into metal, or more into underground bands.
What bothers me, like it does Bob too, is how younger folks talk about "back in the day" even though they werent there. All they know about is what they read on the internet.
Also with the net, they can get into one band, and discover 20 other mandatory must-like bands within one hour and act like they are an expert. Sure, this is great because it has enabled older bands to have a second go around.
What is funny though is now you have younger guys promoting clubs and festivals booking bands who were "C" level at best as headliners, and wondering why 50 people showed up. I think the issue is that folks who weren't there seem to live in this mystery world that certain bands were selling out arenas when they were barely support acts at smaller clubs even back in the day.
As far as why smaller "local" shows are emtpy, I offer my 2 cents:
1) there are just TOO many shows these days. A heck of a lot more than ever in my opinion. Not saying its a bad thing, but I think attendance for some suffer because of it
2) the sense of "Scene" is pretty much gone. With SO many bands touring, people who think they are regular "show goers" are simply just going to see the touring bands they like. Sure, this is still great. Though how many regularly occuring local scene shows are there these days that people regularly support? Here in Chicago at least, the number is VERY small. Mostly there is only support in the death metal scene.
3) Not to pull "old school" here but back in the day local fans cheerished the local bands. they were excited to purchase their demo tapes and wear their shirts. They would dub their cassettes to give to others to check out. Now everyone just assumed everyone can check it out online. IF they do, great! but back then it was more physically put in front of you.