I honestly think it can go either way. It is hard to argue, though, as these forums are usually filled with people who hate region locking enough to trow false accusations and ridiculisations around. I'm sure there are benefits to it FOR THEM. The question is whether it outweighs (or continues to outweigh) the hassle that come with it, or the cons that others have with it. Oh, and...that con only counts in so far it sells less. And I'm sure that group is far lower than the people who voice opinions on it.
Some reasons it may change (though I'm not saying they are likely):
-the newest generation of consoles are region free and sell fine.
-it wasn't until the wiiu that they hit an actual loss. That realisation really might lead to things changing in the long run.
-a new CEO. Not sure to what degree Iwata defended region locks, but...who knows?
-ninty's eservice is...it is...well...it is getting there. Somewhat. Slowly. Okay, not much, but still: games can quickly become worldwide available (just like commercials like direct are available worldwide). Region locking hinders that availability.
Some reasons it may remain the same:
...
Yeah, I've got nothing. But that's the problem: I can dance around the subject all day, but I don't think anyone absolutely KNOWS why they still use it (the whole "prevent sales outside a region"-argument is about the only remaining one, and it's getting harder to believe each year).
*sigh*
Lemme guess: everyone who uses advanced technology you don't like is living in the stone age?
Nintendo started region locking their handhelds AFTER initially region free handhelds, so your chronology is screwed up.