This is the first time I'm reading this actually. I think that the silly title made me not read it.
Interesting stuff.
I think that the feeling of "declining community" has more to do with the fact that people generally remember old things as better then they actually were, combined with the fact that they are getting bored with the game, and that lack of excitement projects onto the forums. If you are bored with the game, things that happen on the forums probably won't be that interesting to you either.
Like I've always said, Elements community changes constantly, because there is a limit on how long a free online flash game can hold the interest of a gamer. People we see here today, look nothing like the people we had in the past. If we look at the core of the community we had back in 2009, there would be only a handful of familiar faces. It's almost like a totally different community. People like to announce end of the world when veterans leave, but I know it's not as bad as it seems.
Of course it's sad to see veterans leave, but my consolation is that someone will probably replace them and take their turn of carrying the Elements torch. It always happens. At least as long as Zanz keeps developing Elements. "Mr.X" who joins today, could be tomorrows Icybraker, Chriskang, or Dragoon1140, that's just how it goes.
I have always liked you, starting from day one. You've also contributed a lot and helped out with tons of things. Hopefully some day, maybe when Elements gets a great new patch that makes it the most awesome game ever created by man, you will make a glorious return. Meanwhile, we'll stay here spamming the forums.
P.s. That Cookie I talked about a while back is hopefully coming very soon. Cookie Jar has been closed for quite some time because I've been too busy