Are we in a Golden Age for ASL?

For me the answer is an unequivocal Yes. Maybe if I was unemployed and unable to afford to keep up with new releases, the answer would be qualified (as was the situation a few years ago).

It's not just about the flow of excellently produced products either. I'm seeing quality discussion on game play, scenario design and tournament reports occur regularly. People who had a major impact on ASL play in the early to mid 90s are coming back and contributing to the hobby with even more impressive results (Fortenberry and his introduction of the new style boards in Action Pack 6 and 8, the actual introduction of ABS in official scenarios). Despite the nutso world economic situation, ASLOk is thriving year by year and ASLers are embracing the concept of community.

On product releases, it's not just about scenario packs etc. Countersmith and Battleschool are providing those enhanced experience items that can make all the difference for some gamers. (The only downer for me is not owning a Pleva Dice tower)

We're also seeing high quality releases from most as well. Bounding Fire Productions and Le Franc Tireur are the standouts there with items such as Crucible and Cholm, but Friendly Fire scenario packs such as Friendly Fire 6 and the gradual but effective consolidation of Core modules and the new action packs from MMP along with Out of the Bunker plus the Journals are keeping the torch burning brightly.

I don't think numbers are declining in the player base, but what we are seeing is a change in proportions of the player base in terms of skill levels. It's been noted that the top 20 players are pretty much the same group of people that have been there for the last 10 years, but it's the middle tier of players that has expanded  in numbers - players are getting better more quickly and maintaining a skill level that has meant it has become easier to find an opponent who will challenge you without beating on you like a red-headed stepchild.

So yeah, I'll take this Golden Age and run with it, even after a 6 month sabbatical.