The article Fabian and Manwin didnt want you to read

[softball]

Originally Posted by RawAlex

There is something to be said for the rise of NATS, Manwin, and the decline of the affiliate model all at the same time.

You may draw your own conclusions!

was it actually the decline of the affiliate model, or just a general decline? Affiliate marketing was/is the most expensive way to sell a product. That might also had something to do with it. It was a model carried over from bricks and mortar distributors and perhaps it hit its sell by date on the internet.
Just tossing out alternative possibilities.