As a lurker who's been here about a year and a half, I think the recent influx has been a healthy share of newbs who may post now and then but are here to learn. They've been drawn in the same way I was–through word of (internet) mouth. I've learned more than I ever expected and am personally beyond grateful to all. I've done my part to spread the research to others and I think it's worked.
And the upside of all the shills that the newfags need to filter is that they are so transparent it barely takes any thought. This group is powerful; the ultimate definition of strength in numbers