I have not noticed a trend of increasing popularity, but I have needed to resist buying all the cool gem pans and various cornbread pans over the years. I just can't justify having them. I do not own a single corn stick pan because I just don't need to start a corn stick pan collection like I would be compelled to do.
Perch pan, Cactus pan, turk's head pan, corn stick pan, wheat pan, card suit pan, the list goes on. All look great, and would be fun to use once every 6 months, but I have to pass on them because I can't justify that many little pans that hardly get used.
I have a couple round cornbread pans with the triangle dividers and have used them a few times. I had to get 2 of them because 1 batch is too much volume for 1 pan. Generally now I'm just using a #6-#8 skillet for cornbread because, like mentioned above, easier to clean, and easier to cut whatever portion you want.
I have 1 card suit pan, but need another because the volume is so small, and one random heart-shape pan I found with no markings on it. Hardly use them because they don't hold enough and making 2-3 batches in just 1 pan is a hassle.
I did recently purchase my 2nd Waffle Iron because I found an old low-base Wagner a year ago and restored it for use. Turns out cooking waffles for 6 on one waffle iron was way too slow, so we bought a restored Griswold tall base two weeks ago for too much $$ so I could double my output. I was originally going to search for a non-restored piece for cheaper, but my wife didn't want to wait that long and green lit the griswold. It has a crack in the drip channel so was still $100 cheaper than retail, and is in plenty fine shape for using.
