I disagree with the majority of what the OP said. There are bound to be peaks and troughs in the number os trials riders in your area. As has been mentioned, its spring incase you hadn't noticed. The past few months have been full of shitty weather where no one wants to ride. There more more riders around yesterday than there has been for ages, that doesn't mean trials is becoming really popular in Plymouth, it means its the Easter holiday. New components are loads better than old components, only you're new to the sport so don't realise it. I agree with Sponge that sometimes the atmosphere on some of the bigger rides isn't the same as it used to be back in the day with riders like Stephen Morris, Tim Rodriguez, Staples, Chai when he was like 12 were around and we were all learning, developing our own style and moves.