I think Simon's own work and background best describe what is happening to the photographic industry. He opened a "studio" without any real training as a photographer. He may have spent years shooting as an amateur but to be brutally honest here, his work looks like that of an amateur without any real training or background. And in a nutshell that is what the problem is with "professional" photography nowadays, it's not being done by professionals.
There was a time when the term "photographer" was a professional or occupational title. It didn't just mean anyone with a camera, it was an occupational distinction. One that came with years of experience and training. Over time the term was co-opted by amateur photographers and then by the public in general to be used as the reference by anyone. I have played piano for 35 years, i own a rather nice piano, but I would never ever refer to myself as a pianist or even a piano player, in my mind those are professionals and have earned their title. I'm just someone who plays piano.
Now with the coming of the digital photography age the last perceived distinction of the real photographer, the ability to actually have images "come out" consistently has been rendered moot as modern digital cameras make it very difficult for someone to not get a useable image. With that, everyone on the planet has become a photographer. And that brings you to the standard foundation of business, supply and demand. With the planet flooded with "photographers" why would you ever have to pay much for a photo?
With the flood of "photographers" and the general decline in the appreciation of quality (Wal Mart)and the general lowest common denominating of the world, the general level of photographic quality and ability have declined. Now there are still photographers out there who work at extraordinarily high quality levels, but as a percentage of the general photographer population they are few. Although I would bet their percentage per capita of general population as compared to 40 years ago is still the same. Except 40 years ago they were called photographers and everyone else was not. Now anyone with a digital or even film camera who has shot a wedding for his friends thinks they are "professional photographers".