I don't see airsoft going down the same path as paintball. There are a couple of things that make each game different:
1) You can make a LOT more money with a paintball field than you could if it was an airsoft field. A case of 2000 (avg quality) paintballs cost around $50 compared to 3700 rnds of Excel bbs for $15.
2) The fact that airsoft bbs don't leave a mark does not make it a viable option for tournement or competitive play. Paintball is much more suited to that. Plus that makes it much more of a spectator sport than airsoft could ever be.
The one thing that is happening though is more and more minors are getting into airsoft - not the way most of us around here are, but different. They get into it because its cheaper than paintball, and the guns look cool (just like in Counter-Strike!). They usually start with a springer but will typically graduate to a cheap AEG, maybe a hi-cap, and maybe some bdus (used, and cheap). Parents are ecstatic because they have found something for there kids to do and leave them alone! But where can these kids go to play? Well, they can't go to an organized field like you can with paintball, none exsist around these parts. They can't go to an Airsoft Arizona game because they are not old enough. And they can't go to far from home, because when you're that age down the block is far. Plus they most likely can't drive. So they go play around their neiborhoods, in vacant lots, washes, or someplace close to civilization. So legislation will eventually happen just like in Chandler.
And one final note: Just because these forums get the occasional idiot posting stupid things every once and a while, do not take that as an example of typical player that comes to most game that most people around here organize. You can chose to live on the internet and get frustrated, or you can come out to a real game and have a good time.