correct. When I started writing nostr.watch there were 6 public relays (there were quite a few more but they were experimental/not published) 

 I see no contradiction with OP.
OP says most relays which used to be available no longer are. This doesn't mean fewer relays are available now, just that most of the relays which were available at that point aren't (but many new ones may be).

(Not saying either is true or false, just that they aren't in contradiction).