Trials is not dead at all and i dont see how you can say it is really, just look at tartydays,clean ride etc. how can it be dead with massive events like that happening?!
The only reason i've carried on riding aslong as i have is because of the social side of it. Some of the best weekends/nights i've ever had have been with trials riders and im sure many other people would say the same.
The trials community is pretty special aswel, you go anywhere across the country and there's usually a group of riders who will just accept you as a mate. I went down to plymouth for uni, pretty nervous about not knowing anyone but as soon as i went out riding i felt instantly accepted and it feels like i've known them for years! Just because nobody films all the banter and stuff that happens, doesnt mean people arnt having fun...