I don't know if I would characterize it as going down hill, although they should be following the NEC sections you quoted.
In my mind the design of modern fire alarm systems is so complex at this point that it needs to be handled by specialists in that field.
The risk are to great and the issues can be complex.
Once you get into larger buildings with smoke evac, elevators, building automation systems, rooms in buildings with separate pre action systems, the list is endless you need someone who really knows their stuff.
The energy codes are forcing the lighting systems to shut down all the lighting when not in use so now we need a tie from the fire alarm to the lighting controls.
Elevators, you have primary and alternate floor recalls which has to be properly programed into the panel.
When we have banks of elevators the emergency generator may only be sized to run one at a time now recall must be coordinated with the specialized elevator power transfer switch.
I am happy to work of a detailed set of prints, I still have to know and follow the NEC and it still takes a craftsman to make it look good and operate correctly.
Bob
