I think gliding is in terminal decline unless it can transform the way it treats new entrants. The graft all day, bit of flying if you're lucky mentality just won't wash with most.
That's interesting. I too was thinking about giving gliding a go at some point, even if I'm not bored yet of powered flight. Didn't know that things like slots, online booking etc. are alien to the gliding world (or most of it). Something to keep in mind.