I don't think they are falling out of favor. They still occupy an important niche for lots of hunters who have use for the advantages they offer.
Modern bullet technology might have made 24 and 25 caliber cartridges more effective,give deeper penetration and more consistent bullet behavior than in years past....but they are still 6mm's and 25's,and are not the equivalent of a 30 or 338 magnum on game of elk sized and up,no matter how desperately some may wish it.
30 and 338 magnums have the same benefits of modern bullet technology as the little cartridges,making them more effective than they used to be, as well.
Good post, exactly the way I see it too..
