I am prepared to go much much further than you on this [and that's why I feel you would be a good advocate for a hobby that no one wants to acknowledge is hemorrhaging members continually].
The legal profession recognizes and accepts pro bono representation by lawyers on behalf of their firms. In the medical profession, a patient can seek a second opinion. I don't know what it costs to throw a convention or even how much it costs a penny lady to ride circuit, but I don't see the coin profession, as viewed from the street, as doing anything charitable to drum up business. If one venerable member of note, can laudably, donate his time and services and volunteer to do grunt work to keep the juggernaut running, I don't see why retired graders cannot donate their time and services, too. Money isn't everything and in the end you cannot take it with you. Perhaps our colleague Errorist isn't presenting the matter with the sense of urgency it deserves. Are we, as a serious hobby doing all we can to attract new members while holding onto the ones we have? If not, what could be done better? I probably won't be around by then, but I can only hope NGC sees the light and distinguishes itself by trying a different tack. How about a 50th anniversary celebration with conventions sponsored by any number of heavily-endowed foundations featuring authentication and grading for at least young numismatists at founding year's prices? Don't allow yourselves to be swallowed up by the naysayers. Be positive! How can things be done differently? If a corner soup kitchen can foot the bills of daily meals via funds drawn on a late benefactors will or trust, maybe that's an idea whose time has come for coins. I would have no trouble contributing a modest sum in support of such a fund. If I win a Powerball, look out NGC! ALL CUSTOMERS WILL BE TREATED LIKE LONG-TIME FRIENDS AND GUESTS. Maybe we will come to you like Publisher's Clearinghouse does. All food for thought. What's needed is new blood and new ways of thinking.