I'm guessing it's probably due to a lack of demand also
One thing yo have to remember is that the "shortage" of 22 ammo did affect a lot of people in regards to buying/using 22s. I have probably 5 rifles/pistols and they have been "parked" for at least 3 to 4 years. I, like a lot of folks, just got fed up with standing in line for one box of ammo, etc. I can reload 38s cheaper than what a 22 round costs so why mess with the 22s?
I know there are still a lot of 22 shooters out there and maybe ammo is more available to them now, but it amazes me to stand in a LGS, watch folks buy 22 rifles and handguns, and then not be able to get a decent quantity of ammo to use in them.
I have a friend who picked up a 22 LCR - I've owned a 357 LCR - good handguns - no doubt about it. But, Ruger can only produce so many handguns and if their current models are selling well and they are working to capacity . . well . . new designs are just going to have to wait?
A few years back, I had a 9 shot H & R 929 "Sidekick". I liked the additional three rounds and can understand why a lot of folks like that. But again, I still think the demand is down as a lot of folks are tired of scraping the bottom of the area to find enough ammo to use in them. I'm surprised that with the shortage of 22 ammo, someone hasn't stepped in and started a new production plant . . . but . . supply and demand keeps the price up.