This may be something that others have hashed out, I'm not sure. But it seems like everywhere I turn I hear of someone selling all of their mini's and losing interest in the game. I'm still interested in the game myself, but it's kind of hard to play it when even my kids aren't interested much in it anymore. I'm wondering what factors everyone thinks are leading to this? I've heard some people say that they got tired of having to basically build their squads around the same ideas in order to be competitive: I.E. Wedge or Dodonna and evade, the top 10 squads all being mostly the same etc....

For me it's compounded by a lack of tournaments locally. Yes we have a local gaming store that holds them, but there are a number of problems with it for me. Not the least of which was the fact that hardly none of the tournament games we participated in got counted towards our DCI stats. Add to it with the fact that the store manager seems to favor his friends for the prizes and never really announces ahead of time what the prizes will be, or changes how he's going to give the prizes out (for example one time he decided to give the last place finisher the first pick of the VR's he offered when the last place finisher happened to also be a friend of his). Another time I was basically ripped out of the first place choice when I'd won the tournament fair and square. Actually that happened to me twice, only the first time I won a tourney they said no prizes would be given away (after the fact). The playing space is extremely cramped and not always "family friendly" for younger kids.

Anyway, these are just some things I'm tossing around and wondered if anyone else had some ideas as to the reasons for the downfall. Or is it just a natural thing, as most games eventually lose popularity and go away? Is that what is happening with SWM?

I'm smiling because I just moved to Los Angeles and already found 2 guys that want to learn how to play. ;)
It's all about how much YOU promote it.

Don't think of it as a waste, whatever the outcome may be. At least it will be handy as you'll have some experience running events. SWM will last long after DCI/Wizos stops supporting it. Like Huk said, its about how much You care about it.

I don't like the sound of that Store owner. I would definitely go somewhere else.

I guess what I would like to hear is more reasons from people who are quitting as to the why's. Like some people I know who were all gung ho about mini's before Galaxy at War just quite suddenly dropped the game almost completely.

I've heard one big problem people have is that basically the tops teams all seemed to be built around the same pieces (Luke's landspeeder, Reiken, etc...)

The funny thing is that when I first started buying the mini's it was mainly just to use for the Saga Edition RPG, but my kids really got into mini's gung ho and dragged me into it. The irony is that I'm the only one still interested in playing now. That takes away a big part of why I got interested in it to begin with (i.e. dad hanging out with his boys).

It's true that the top tier squads are more limited, many locations have gone the route of scheduling events that are not always top tier. Once a month for the cut-throat squads to stay sharp, and then other events that are themed might help. Lots of people like the top tier all the time, but if that is a problem you've encountered, try the other variations. Some are one unique only, melee only, using only certain sets, etc. There have been lots of thread floating around here and on WotC boards I know I've read.

If you want to start organizing and have a DCI number, check out this page: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dci/welcome or go to www.thedci.com and it will redirect you. Select the link for Tournament Organizer Information and you'll see info how to sign up for the WPN (Wizards Play Network) and advise to get started. There is also a link from the main page for Judges and Rules Advisors.

My game store had 10 minis player 2 months ago, and they all sold thier collections and stopped coming. I am the only one left. I never get to play with my real minis

This is the nature of youth. Their interests wax and wane. It's been true of SWM all along that people are leaving. Many are replaced by new people joining, but posts saying "I'm getting out of the game!" have been a constant for years. Every set has been someone's last (and someone else's first.)

IMHO I think the rules and the concept of the the game, characters, maps ect. are great. It's just that I feel that there are alot of other games that have alot more support. I mean common I dont think there are any SWM players out there that dont think they're game is 2nd rate or "bottom of the barrel" Wizards puts alot more time and effort into it's other games(if you dont believe that go check out some of the other games) Then I think all these pointless arguments are contributing to this "Dark Time"(imagine that!)
I do hope that it will get better, I will keep playing for fun, but am staying away from my LGS(I share the same one as KevinR, the manager is a really big jerk, and I have also been ripped of by him on multipule accounts.)