You can analyze the data and draw your own conclusions, but at the end of the day, there are $billions (actually, $trillions) at stake maintaining the status quo. That is, a system that is by and for the elites running the show, not those ostensibly being represented.
It's a nice fantasy to believe in the various myths and stories endlessly perpetuated about our so-called republican system of governance. But when people finally wake up and realize it's all a mirage, they tend to lose interest & drop out.
FR has lost a tremendous volume of traffic over the years, but where has it gone? I think this is true of both sides, which is reflected in the millions of voters who simply opted out last November.
Nothing lasts forever - where we're going isn't something anyone wants, but ultimately, the piper must be paid.