Perhaps if the figures were to include RAA/Auf aircraft, many pilots who prob used to fly GA types, were included the numbers would not look so dire - most of these types do not require LAME maintenance either.
Have a look at the turnout at NATFLY at Narromine - hardly dieing at the recreational end, it is booming.
And a lot of the aircraft types now in RAA are faster and technically superior to the 50's / 60's technology mentioned above - and importantly lately, easy on the juice.