All of what you say is very true. The abstractors are going to have to strengthen their bargaining power in order to stop the downward spiral. The only way I know of to accomplish this is to make themselves less reliant on the income derived from abstracting.
If they are in a position to turn down substantially underpriced work orders eventually the price will have to rise. Right now they are in the position of having expenses rise while fees for work decline. I know of at least seven abstractors in this area that are getting out either permanently or temporarily until prices improve, if ever.