I dont think that it's DCI fault for losing people inthe activity. Its that Kids have way more to do now thatn they did 20 years ago.
I started marching way back in the day and have continued to teach in the activity for numerous years including this past year.
DCI is no more expensive or elitest than say a cheerleading camp, or a basketball camp, or Ice Hockey lessons,or gymnastics.
Being in a Drum Corps is way less expensive than all of these activities. My niece went to a cheeleading camp this summer for 5 days. 5 days cost 1000 dollars. 200 dollars per day. Lets say that a drum corps today cost 2500 they are on the road for 60 days that measures out to 41 dollars per day. That includes all transportation, meals, uniform, and everything.
When my niece went to camp she also had to pay for the correct shoes, the correct leotard,the correct tshirt, also costing upwards of 200 dollars.
My brother who is a UPS driver ( I would consider this Blue Collar) Paid oll this for his daughter for one week. And I guarantee you she will not last in cheerleading.
My point is that Kids have way more stuff to do no adays. Especially in the Urban areas where Blue Collar families are so prevalent. And kids are taught the more you do the better it looks on yor college application. The drop in Blue collar fans has nothing to do with DCI, it has to do with the economy and the fact that kids just dont have time to fit Drum Corps in their schedules.