Why is .22 still nuts?

[machrono]

......A new person who walks into a Big 5 will only see AR types in 22. Since the tacticool bling will catch their eye, that is what they will go with. Then they need to get the ammo......

This still can't explain the crazy demand, and I know guys who have sold off their dedicated .22 uppers and now just stay full caliber because the price difference does not justify it to them.