I think it's partly that, but I also think it is partly that PG's philosophy (ramen profitable, low costs, etc) is becoming easier and easier for more people to follow.

All sorts of industries are micro-sizing. Custom circuit boards you can order in small quantities and with quick turnaround. High power lasers that you used to not even be able to find, let alone order. Ultra pure gold wiring or lithium. Hacking is getting easier in every industry.

It didn't used to be like this, but I'm seeing it everywhere. Forget just coding, everything is changing. Twitter gives me really easy access when I have a question that otherwise may have stopped me. More and more industries are opening up to the small startup mentality.