(Found this on twitter)
Someone said DnD is a perfect example of this, except:
DnD 3e was better than 1e and 2e, and 4e came about because video game popularity was something WotC were trying to get in on, and 5e came about because Pathfinder 1e stole (took back?) like, half their fanbase.
The game getting worse over time (5e is terrible, FIGHT ME!) is literally because of profit seeking.
considering the average american, liking niche things instead of mainstream things has a decent shot of making you better than the very low bar, but you still have to slay the brainworms society imparts upon you, and the reactionary nerds absolutely did not do that.