Cliff:
Because everything else is crap.
I will be the first to admit you know more about axe use than I do, however I respectfully disagree with your assessment.
There are other axe works that put out a very decent product, Wetterling, Snow and Neally, Vaughn, Bahco, etc. put out a very decent quality product. No, they are not up to the high standard set by GB, but they are far from crap. An analogy to that would be calling a new C6 Corvette crap because it is not as nice as a Ferrari or Maserati.
As for the quality of axes declining, I differ with you as well, especially with regards to initial edge quality. I began buying axes over 25 years ago, and some in my family decades before that. What was generally available then (around here) were axes like Plump and Collins brands.
From my memory, most axes did not come with an edge applied at all. I think the further back you go, the more true that is. A friend is a collector of old axe heads. He has reported that many producers shipped their products completely unsharpened, and this was not unusual since people buying axes expected to put an edge on it that matched its intended use.
Further, they were shipped from the factory in crates, no head covers and a fine edge would have chipped out in transit, etc.
Also, I think the quality metallurgy and heat treatment in top end axes has improved to a noticeable degree. I have several axes over 50 years old, all are much easier to file, stone and polish then GB axes. They are not nearly as hard.
In talking with "Old Timers" about axes, many have reported that an edge that was too hard to file easily was seen as not desirable, since the thought was that it would be brittle. I ahve shown my GB axes to several older relatives an in-laws, all with considerable timber time. Every single one has been impressed, noting they were the best they had seen. No exceptions.
I would agree that the market has been flooded by Made in China junk steel axes with knotted handles, and I would never waste my money on them. However, the quality of top end axes is really, really good.
As well, I think the variety of axe types has really diminished. 25 years ago you could find axes of many varieties, head shapes, etc, now these can only be found on Ebay at sky high prices.
But comparing axe heads 25-100 years old to modern GB axes, I have not seen any that offer higher quality steel or heat treat. Some have head profiles more optimal for certain tasks (especially hard woods) but none are clearly superior in overall quality.
However, axes were used commonly enough, and expectations were high enough that no reputable seller would be caught selling the Chinese jun axes that are prevalent today. The average axes quality might have decreased, but only because the "bottom of the pool" has been so heavily diluted with poor quality, the top end stuff is as good, if not better, then ever in my opinion.
As for axe handles, most that are sold today are junk, that is true. Walk into home depot, lowes, Canadian tire, etc and you will be ahrd pressed to find a really good handle in the whole store with hundreds to choose from. Not shaped right, bad grain, sap wood, knots, bad balance, etc. Some of the furniture coming on GB axes is really good though, especially if your seller will hand pick them.
Most people on the various outdoors forum seem to buy from Darren Cutsforth, and the reviews indicate he will hand pick. If you can buy them locally, you can choose your own of course.
Of course, our different perspective may come from what has been available in your area. perhaps NF and Northern Canada had some really exceptional axes that were only available locally.
Again, I am not trying to claim that I know more about axes or their use than you, as I am sure that is not the case. I just happen to have a different perspective on this issue.
If Jim Aston still posts on the forums, maybe he can add some insight, as he is one of the most knowledgable people I have come across as far as vintage axes, as well as modern ones, proflies, uses, technique, etc.
