I don't think the Alpha geeks are failing. I do think that computer literacy has increased as younger generations have grown up with technology and also, because a lot of smart alpha geeks have improved the usability of the technology (two forces meeting so to speak).
It is a little bit like the motorists of old - they were first really weird, then being good was largely regarded as being ultra cool as others battled with the new cars, then they were sponsored in races and now they still exist. They exist as kitset car builders, engineers, racers, and oh dear... boy racers. The alpha geeks may not use the latest technology (some Linux users manage to keep their machines going with their skills) but hasn't it always been the skills and knowledge of the geek? If that's the case, I think we are doing very well. The improvement in usability of the internet and easy availability of knowledge means the barrier to entry is lower which means more geeks. On the other side of the spectrum it also means more non-geeks know how to fix their computers etc. Rather like cars. However, being able to replace a battery doesn't make you a car enthusiast, nor does being a savvy Facebook user mean you could build it.
It is a little bit like the motorists of old - they were first really weird, then being good was largely regarded as being ultra cool as others battled with the new cars, then they were sponsored in races and now they still exist. They exist as kitset car builders, engineers, racers, and oh dear... boy racers. The alpha geeks may not use the latest technology (some Linux users manage to keep their machines going with their skills) but hasn't it always been the skills and knowledge of the geek? If that's the case, I think we are doing very well. The improvement in usability of the internet and easy availability of knowledge means the barrier to entry is lower which means more geeks. On the other side of the spectrum it also means more non-geeks know how to fix their computers etc. Rather like cars. However, being able to replace a battery doesn't make you a car enthusiast, nor does being a savvy Facebook user mean you could build it.