Quite a sizeable drop down in the world, yes, and I do realise that the Dashwoods would have to get used to a different standard of living (apologies about the rent mistake - you clearly have the book memorised better than I have! I assumed that Sir John, being a relation and a wealthy one too, would not demand rent) but it is difficult to accurately compare the Dashwoods situation to the situation of many people today, as £30,000 is an adequate income to live well. It is all about comparisons, I suppose, but my main point is that JA's characters always seem to be moderately off. They are never seriously wanting.