just a guess, but i think that the economy is forcing people out of business because they aren't getting the large flow of costumers. So even though the girls might be willing to adjust their prices they can't afford the overhead so they fold.
I too have noticed greedier providers for less service, i would think they would offer more as well in hard times. I think in time the providers will get the message that the boom is over and bring their prices into accord with what is available from the mongers.
I have no idea about politics