Yeah, that's exactly right. It feels more like a competitive market now and less like something people do for fun.
Back in the day, seeing super high-production looking cosplay was nice, but now that it's a norm (and career-based), it's less fun. And I say that while still admiring the insane workmanship that went into the high-detail cosplays I posted earlier. But they don't rival the sentimental feeling from those three dudes' humble efforts.
Cosplayer circles also seem to fall into the same toxic behavior that normally befalls Beauty influencers. (instagram models, makeup stars, etc)