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I will add this to the conversation now:
We are seeing the future of chess happening.  It is happening in the form
of Speed Chess, and also Chess960.  There is Bughouse also as team play. 
These are playing and growing and happening.  As the community gets tired
of some things, and wants more, then more will be rolled out.  It is going
to happen, irregardless of what anyone thinks about it.  It is happening. 
What matters here is whether or not the Variant community is going to have
any input into this.  My take regarding this is, unless they managed to get
things coordinated and actually address issues and get standards, there
will be a remaining on the margins.  So, on this, the NextChess project is a chance for the variant community to have input, or get left to the wayside.

As for some 'end of Civilization event', there as much of a chance of Go
becoming the game, then some royal elimination, checkmate the King piece
game.  There is also chance it may not be in boardgame form at all. 
People may go straight digital here.

As far as extinction goes, what will happen is eventual wear and tear on the game, and the words 'Chess is now SOLVED' coming about.  Then people look for things to address these issues, and they are going on now.  People have different things they look to revitalize the game.  Even Seirawan and Harper have gotten into it.

On the board size, I believe 12x12 should become standard, if you are
going to declare anything as default.