Excellent discussion and thoughts. I used to think this model ship modelling hobby was dying, but no longer. The tools and techniques are changing, some of us oldsters may or may not embrace these changes. After all, we can make decent model ships without them because we know how to use our existing tools and techniques.
My current project is HMS Vulture, a Swan class sixth rate of about 1760 or so, Admiralty style, 1/4" to the foot scale. I do not know how to use cad, do not have a laser cutter nor a 3D printer, but I do have a well appointed shop and the skills to use all of them. I just discovered that the patterns for the knight heads/bollards do not work on my model, so after the second failed attempt, I reversed the order of assembly (Mr. Dave Antsyrel did an excellent job of lofting and publishing in his 4 books-no criticism). I also cut a very wide piece of stock (flowering dogwood) so I could cut the heel angle, then custom fit the bollards to my stem. This worked.
My point is that even experienced modelers have to remake parts. And figure out how to solve problems. One must always decide what is 'good enough'; you are the artist, the builder.
Will the new tools and techniques lead to better models? Will these draw more people to this great hobby? The jury is still out.
When I get discouraged, I think about our ancesters who made such beautiful Admiralty models, without any power tools and without any electricity. If a person has the passion, they do not need any fancy power tools. But I like power tools. And electric lights. Keep building and above all, have fun~! Duff