Yes, I don’t think this is really a CSW issue. Still lots of lower priced wines (in today’s dollars) for bottom feeders. Not sure if you think there are other places that do a better job of catering to that spirit? Maybe it’s just that the bottom feeder wines are less thrilling to you these days?
Yes and no. CSW always had lots of unstable natty wine. Puzelat, Overnoy and Montrieux (and many others) were always a gamble in stability, and they were core CSW selections in the early days.
For me, the big change is the place of (wine) retail in the culture, as it used to be more of a hangout. But that seems to pick up on some of the points you’re raising about being able to afford knowledgeable staff. And also obviously the rise of online shopping.