The stores will sell them as long as their is a demand for them.
Otherwise someone else will get the business.
Yes I know it’s from the NYT, but it’s half way decent. Consider this - if you whittle the supply, the demand is controlled. And I agree with you about the mercury ‘contamination’. A decent vacuum with a decent bag is all that’s needed if one breaks. We enjoy our CFL’s in my home.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/02/business/02bulb.html