From: Trans [mailto:[email protected]]
seems like there’s been a steady drop off in experienced ruby users on
the list. is it me or has there really been some sort of migration
away?
It’s just you. 
I’ve not noticed any such situation. I’ve seen a rise
in new user questions, many of which are being handled by people other
than the Top Ten Regulars (a list that exists only in my head, and
probably comprises 15 people). Any signal to ‘noise’ (depending on what
you’re looking for) ratio will be affected by changes to either signal
or noise. I suspect this is what’s causing your perception.