www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

I remember the 80's and fitting dimmer switches because the bulbs lasted longer, not really after the ambiance but that was a result anyway, once a fortnight (two weeks for anyone across the pond) I would have to change a bulb some where in the house, after fitting dimmers this was reduced to once a month, however if the bulb failed with ionisation (a big flash) it could take out cheap dimmers, and can't use dimmers with quartz lamps as with quartz it reduces bulb life and they would not work with CFL so gradually all dimmers replaced with standard switches or wifi controlled switches, even the wifi switches in this house have been in some cases replaced, as Nest Mini's seem to have a mind of their own, and think it's funny to switch lights and sockets on and off without us asking, good job it has not learnt how to control central heating!

So was the demise of the dimmer because it was just a fad, or was it's demise because we changed types of bulb used?

I still have dimmers.
You are of course right with dimming halogens, I have to admit I have done it often, never had a lamp fail.