I agree in part. Yes we can put blame on the end-user for foolishly buying into whatever hype the sales person was pitching them at that moment. And most of us have been on the backside of those decisions, fixing or replacing a bad system/install that ended up costing more than if we did the work right up-front.
My point was more specific to the fact that many, unqualified integrators are entering the market. Great example, the recent IPVM post of using Amazon installation service for cameras. Anyone with a wire stripper, ladder and a truck now becomes an integrator.
I would push this even further by stating, manufactures that have allowed anyone to buy and re-sell their technologies and products have added to this as well. I once was talking to a prospective integrator, while I was a SE. He had a couple of my cameras and wanted to test them out. He called asking for some help, so I obliged. As we got into the phone call I asked, what was the subnet of the server. He replied, "what?". Ok, what is the IP address, "how do I find that". I ended the call.
The PhySec industry is pushing hard into the DIY/consumer market, Hikvision being a major contributor. This has lowered the barriers to entry, increased local competition and allowed the the integrity of the industry to be compromised.
From a consultant perspective. Yes, I do agree, if I understand you correctly. Many "security consultants" are working off technologies and boiler plates that are 10 years old. Last year, I had a consultant tell me that we did not meet spec because we where not based on Windows Server 2003. I reply'd, "even Microsoft doesn't meet that spec".
Manufactures, integrators, distributors, consultants, all of us, must raise the bar. Require more of ourselves to deliver the proper solution to the customer. To the point of the discussion... it is not surprising that there a subtle shifts in the end-user segment of the market. A lot of bad money was thrown into "security" with little thought on why and for what purpose. And we (I include myself) integrators and manufactures where all to quick to oblige.