I can see why AMT might be on the way out, yet all the same it's kind of sad. Though they often had cool subject matter, they spent too much time releasing old-tech toolings and not enough money on new ones. Unfortunately, that allowed Revell to easily pass them by. It looks like Revell is doing okay.

As far as kids getting into the hobby, the kit-makers need to produce kits tailored to their tastes, and we modelers need to pull 'em away from the tube, video game, computer, etc. and show them what a good time can be had with a kit, glue, and some paint!
I collect diecast, not cardboard. Therefore, I open.