Afan local here. Ride in the valley at least twice a week, usually all the off piste stuff, place is far from dead especially the local scene which is thriving.
The trails do need some investment though, I think mountain biking has moved on from trails like Y Wal and Whites.
Also, just to add, the felling will effect Zig Zags and S4 (black run), and when they are closed, I’m pretty sure they are not making a new alternative descent, it will be straight down a fire road, which is laughable.