From what I had gathered, much of the resistance to mod for 1.8 went away as updates were made that made modding for the version easier (less pain in the ass, really). Many of the devs who originally stated they would skip 1.8 entirely have since begun working on a new version since, and some (Azanor with TC, for instance) already put out new content.
As Forge is continually developing and making things easier for modders, more modders will make the switch. Sure, some will try to skip to 1.9, and others will call it quits completely. Some who walked away may even come out the woodwork and bring us something new or updated. But devs will see a shift in player base and move in step, if they don't decide to lead the charge that draws those players forward in the first place.
As has happened before, the scene will change as things move forward. Just look how much impact the delay of Thermal Dynamics impacted 1.7. People were forced to find new solutions to their problems, which even
@King Lemming has stated was good for the modding scene as a whole. Some people didn't like it. Some people discovered mods they now "can't live without". But the fact that some mods will disappear (if only temporarily) will only strengthen the community. If nothing else, it inspires some others to try their hand at coding their own solutions.
No mod is immortal, nor should they be. Empires rise and fall, and new empires rise from the ruins. Be happy that you have the option to play in the past if you're unhappy with the future.