It sounds like you underestimate the enthusiasm for miniatures in general. There is a lot of demand for finely printed models––look at Tribes on MyMiniFactory, or the success of primarily 3D printed games like Trench Crusade.
On the other side of this _is_ the affordability of 3D printed miniatures. The linked-to article is salient/cogent/great, but the secondary topic at hand––lowering the price of entry for miniatures-based table top gaming––is still salient. 3D printing won't necessarily upend GW's business model, but it does provide an entry point that is more affordable by some calculus.