You're right about priests needing to take a personal interest in young men who might be attracted to the priesthood. Ask and challenge a man to think about it, as a vocation! I know I originally entered a seminary way back in 1969 because a monsignor had taken an interest in me and encouraged me to consider the priesthood.
Yes, far, far too little of this goes on these days. In the waning days of JP II's pontificate, we seem to be finally getting some decent bishops in the US. I hope they will be able to turn this situation around, at least in their dioceses.