Are hardcore gamers the reason for the bad gaming trends?

Hardcore gamers are responsible for microtransactions.

Makes sense. I remember reading an article about how the average gamer is 34 and they are declining. Also this image:

I'm not sure what you mean by hardcore gamer.

I would say playing online can be a barrier to entry due to people having no respect or self control for other people in chat. I turned it off in WoT.

Publishers are, because they want to constantly screw you. And usually get away with it.

lol.

Hardcore gamers share part of the blame. Instead of inviting new people in and increasing their numbers, they're hostile to "newbz" and "teh casualz" for random reasons. Now their numbers are declining and publishers are trying to max out their profits from a demographic that's only getting smaller.

This is a very accurate depiction of what happens a lot online. I do the exact same thing regarding using the chatting/microphone. I hate to see newer players disregard the rules of the game because there are a few idiots who cannot keep their mouth shut.

No and I don't think it should be seen that way. Hardcore gaming in fact is great hobby.