Is Tennis now all about the slams?

With the news that Federer has pulled out of Dubai it seems fitting to comment on a view ive held for a while - that these days Tennis is more and more about the Grand Slams and the small events are suffering.
 
Murray pulled out of Rotterdam citing the need for rest and also because he wanted to commit to Marseille. Only he then subsequently pulled from there too. Ridiculous. Here we have a young man in his tennis prime only 22 years old, already playing minimal events and focussing on the slams because they are "what count". He will tell you that he has to look after numero uno and there will be some who agree with him. But on the other hand what about his responsibility to the tour?
 
In order for Tennis to remain healthy the smaller tournaments need to keep attracting the big names. Without big names these tournaments just resemble challengers particularly at the 250 level and the dwindling crowds are starting to reflect that.
 
For what its worth i do not blame Federer for picking and choosing his events these days. He is 28, 16 grand slams under his belt, 2 kids in tow. The problem is the younger players are seeing his attitude and where he goes they follow. Nadal is now another example of a player who plays as little as possible. He cites his troublesome knees as the reason but more and more it seems to be the case that players simply decide they are taking a few months off and that is that.
 
These young guys again will tell you that they are within tour rules, "the season is too long" etc etc "i have to protect my health". But what do they do all day when they are having these months off? Sit in their mansions and play Playstation when they could be out there doing what they love?