[erockrph]

was wondering about this being inevitable not only due to flattening in the industry growth but with so many varieties that continue to pop up.

Same here. Also, the amount of time that it takes to bring a new variety to market is rather long. I fear that as the market hits saturation, many smaller hop breeders are going to feel the pinch when there just isn't enough demand to support the continued influx of new varieties that they have in the pipeline.