I'd be interrested to see what caused this situation? Anyway, I've been having a look at their website for years, and I saw other companies like easypano coming up during the same time, but IPIX never changed its pricing (something like 20$ per keys for a virtual tour). Would it be a part of the explanation?
A nervous wind is blowing? Ford claims he owns the Patents in the USA for spherical photography and this to some point was proven in the courts some time back when he took on iP*x and won. He then offered non exclusive rights to iP*x etc etc.
My dealings with Ford have always been pleasant. I hope it stays that way!