orangefrog,
The bust story sounded like bullshit to me at the time. The more I thought about it though, I didn't know anyone that even claimed to know any manufacturers. It seems complicated enough that there would be very few people with the knowledge, equipment, and motivation to make it.

I was talking to a good friend about old times the other day, that's what made me think about it. I had just wondered if the shortage was local, or if it really was nationwide.

How long did it take things to get back to normal?

At least my last time was one of my best trips. The fourth of July was a pretty good day to for it. I still remember my buddy playing with bottle rockets, and somehow having one shoot up his shirt sleeve The best part was that we had it on videotape. He didn't get hurt, so it was pretty damn funny.