Maybe it's my European perspective, but i feel like Starbucks has fallen several levels down in terms of it's price perception. Simply put, they haven't increased their prices like... ever. I remember very well pricing on some items and they are about the same in nominal euros as they were 15-18 years ago. They went from definitely upscale to cheap-ish - not the sheapest, but certainly not premium by any measure. And yes, no more outlets in most locations, and more limited seating. Why is that? idk. I loved it the way it used to be and would pay more to keep it that way.

And yes, certainly the kind of people visiting them as well as the kind of people working there has fallen along with their price niche.