Re:
Tapered forks also sell for less than straight 1 1/8, but I don't think it means tapered is on its way out. I think it's just a temporary phenomenon whilst people still have older bits to make into a bike. If you have a 1 1/8 fork to use, you'll only be interested in a 1 1/8 frame. And vice versa.
In a few years time, it could be the other way round, as people only want tapered head tube frames because that's all you'll be able to get forks for. I don't see the industry going back on tapered, nor do I see any consumer resistance to it. Where the wheel size will have ended up is another issue.