The market is not dead, I will quote Raphy Martinez on this one "the Ball Python market isn't dead or dying, your marketing skills suck." This isn't directed at anyone here just to clarify.
With that said, it isn't falling any faster or slower than the Yellow Bellies, Fires, or Mojaves did. I remember people crying and selling out back then advising everyone to get out while they can. The ones who stuck around knew how to market themselves, invested in their projects, and networked at shows all over. This topic has been brought up many many times since I got my first Het Pied pair back in 2005. I am going to link a video on this topic.