"However, I wonder if the shortage of boys in many locations doesn't have something to do with so many families putting sports ahead of faith. One or both of my boys serves at practically every Mass they attend, because the scheduled servers, whether boys or girls, just don't show up."
FWIW, I think that most problems in our society are a result of families putting _____ (fill in the blank as you see fit) ahead of faith.
I think part of the problem of a shortage of boys has to do with the nature of worship in the western church. Coming from the western church and heading east I got to see this firsthand.
The eastern churches as compared to the western church have a more expanded role for the laity during liturgy. Eastern liturgy is very active and really does demand that you concentrate and remain involved in the liturgy lest you get lost. A liturgy that invites participation tends to receive participation.
My tiny church always seems to have altar servers, in spite of the fact that it's restricted to males. Their participation is important and you can see that. People step up to the plate when they se that their participation is both needed and valued.
There is no Eastern Rite church anywhere near where I live or I would attend such a mass regularly.When I travel I always look for such a mass, primarily to avoid surprises, like dancing girls or bongo drums or creative liturgy.
Very good points.