Lack of new products and real breakthrough.
Not Lance Armstrong equivalent...

Innovation seems to be limited to put carbon everywhere and allow re-waxed skis during world cup long skating races. (which proves 2 things : waxing works and waxing works a short period of time).

Until we'll feel that carbon is perhaps not the best material to have proper flex. Too stiff. And are tired of braking poles.

Meanwhile there are truly new products (liquid wax such as Primateria's (what's up with that ?) or Holemnkol nano products).
Steel scraping could have been a hot topic if people would have dared to test it. But all this new tools tend to be very expensive. Most people don't want to put that much money in waxing/preping. People who could are thinking that steel scraping and liquid waxing is against the law and will lead them in hell, or at least will send their skis in hell.

At world Cup level they keep quiet on what is making them winning.

So I guess people are just bying a new pair of skis here and then. Most often they'll buy some new poles because carbon pole have a ridiculous tendency to break.(avoid the Swix Triac, they are a joke).

Some of people are hot waxing/scrapping/brushing as a way of living. They'll do even during summer, just in case.

Not much to discuss
The spam-free http://www.xcskiforum.com/ hasn't more hot topics.