media - The future of the foreign correspondents

In the past few years I have been writing and talking much about the upcoming demise of the classic foreign correspondent. The recent events surrounding Benjam Joffe-Walt (here in a round-up by Asiapundit) have made me thought about how these events fit into what I think is the future of the foreign correspondent.
First, much does not fit. The fact that The Guardian appointed a second correspondent next to their man in Beijing was a pleasant surprise, but did not fit the ongoing trend. That trend is: fewer foreign correspondents and when they are replaced, newcomers have to work in increasingly sweatshop situations.
So, I was not amazed so few foreign correspondents visited Taishi, I was amazed some did. Preparing for such a trip takes so much time, energy and resources, most foreign correspondents will not even think of starting to prepare for a trip that might not even result in a story that can be published.
With very few exceptions (AP, New York Times, Washington Post) most print publications do not offer enough resources to cover a country like China, and then China is still favorite of the week compared to Japan, Indonesia or India.
What motives foreign correspondents to still do their work, as far as it is being done? Being a romantic helps, although it might also get you into problems as we have seen. Relying on local media could be, but that is because of the thorough government control in China be a tricky way. Ignoring even the most important developments is an obvious choice for most western media.

Update: More links and thoughts at Bingfeng Teahouse.