Disposable income might be part of the picture. Back 50 years, most folks had a .22 rifle, a 12 gauge shotgun, and maybe a 30-30 or, if they read Jack O'Connor, a 270 win. There was a lot more talking about calibers, guns, and hunting with the Shah of Iran because talking was a lot cheaper than buying. After all, all anyone needed was one pre-64 model 70 in 270 done up in an Al Biesen stock with a Weaver K-4 on top.
Now, AIM has their gunsmith specials and shooter's packages, we're awash in aptly named SMLEs and K-31s, and ammunition is cheap. And it's fascinating to hold these moldy relics and imagine where they've been all these years, wonder whose idea it was to insist on a 600 yard sight, and what in blazes does this tool do. Sporterizing is frowned upon because no one needs to do it to shoot a deer, and most don't have the skill or patience to make the product worthwhile. Time was, however, that $114 model 700 ADL was out of reach and this here old 03 would have to do. It's tough for many of us not to try to improve our equipment, y'see.
This is the golden age of deep pockets and cheap rifles. We are obligated to enjoy it while we can. Hunting requires a whole lot more work and good fortune than cranking rounds through the SKS at the range, so we do what we can.