Unfortunately until we get a high profile American star in the sport with broad coverage it will continue to decline. The amount of time most people need to dedicate to just be an also-ran or to get spit out the back doesn’t lend itself to big numbers without the draw of star power.
That’s why I stopped racing. 10-12 hrs a week to maybe get a top 10 no thanks. I’ll go ride my MTB and smile the entire time.