Ratings are NOT in the toilet, and have actually been going up. I will agree that ratings are no longer what they once were, but that is for ALL soaps, not just Days.
You know, sure, Days was great in the 80s. John & Marlena were in their late 30s, Bo & Hope in their 20s, Sami & Lucas in their teens, Tony & Anna in their 30s........but it is more than 20 years later, and a series of different head writers, plus a whole lot of history has gone by. Doug & Julie had wonderful stories, too, and as the years progressed the kinds of stories they got changed, and eventually they were supporting players and not in the forefront all the time. Just like Maggie & Mickey. The scepter is constantly passed on and down. I, for one, am very greatful that we still have Steve & Kayla, Bo & Hope, John & Marlena, Victor, Tony, Anna.....on the show. And that they are still being featured in various stories.