Question:
I praise Chandler for putting out the "Alarm" of the downfall of the great perfume houses. Just as alarming is Tony Burfield's article on the straitjacketing of perfumers the BN front page. The industry is crumbling fast! It's true that works of art was once produced, now only to experience things that smell of hard candy, (re-)renditions of water, or floral fruitbowls. Moneymakers need to be present (i.e. Insolence, Chance, KC Reaction, Be Delicious), many houses seem to realize that, I understand that too, but indeed they shouldn't totally shut down works of pure artistry. I think they should keep limited distribution in mind, rather than just exclusive, 'boutique only' productions so that they're more available and at least have the option of smelling "something better", even with a higher pricetag.
I'm sure everyone's starting to notice that the stuff you smell on a department store glass counter is starting to smell much like the stuff you smell on a drugstore one. Welcome to the future...Blecch!

Answer:
I praise Chandler for putting out the "Alarm" of the downfall of the great perfume houses. Just as alarming is Tony Burfield's article on the straitjacketing of perfumers the BN front page. The industry is crumbling fast! It's true that works of art was once produced, now only to experience things that smell of hard candy, (re-)renditions of water, or floral fruitbowls. Moneymakers need to be present (i.e. Insolence, Chance, KC Reaction, Be Delicious), many houses seem to realize that, I understand that too, but indeed they shouldn't totally shut down works of pure artistry. I think they should keep limited distribution in mind, rather than just exclusive, 'boutique only' productions so that they're more available and at least have the option of smelling "something better", even with a higher pricetag.
I'm sure everyone's starting to notice that the stuff you smell on a department store glass counter is starting to smell much like the stuff you smell on a drugstore one. Welcome to the future...Blecch!

Answer:
But are his motives so altruistic as you make them out to be?
It seems weird that he repeats time after time again the same things/ideas; it seems a little suspicious.
I knew of another one who used to bash Guerlain relentlessly, but he has mysteriously mellowed since (which is noteworthy of itself).
It's so easy to bash Guerlain...the expectations are so high. They had their flops in the past, as so eloquently and knowledgably has been mentioned by another poster. No one is infallible.
But writing a journalistic piece who will influence many people who are not *that* into perfume as we are, it needs a little more research and cross-reference I think.

Answer:
According to the guerlain official website over 626 perfumes have been created since 1828.
If they are producing 30 now that makes 596 flops/failiures/discontinued.