I think editors stick to what they know they can judge in an adequate way. If they aren't savvy about received forms, they are wise to stay away from it and do the craft a favor by not sullying formal verse's reputation.
If I were an editor (god forbid) with my own little playing field, I would say no areas where I knew I wasn't competent to judge.
And if they just plain don't like sonnets and sestinas, why should they publish them? There is always the awesome Able Muse and her sister publications. More than most of us will wear out in a lifetime.
(My usual two cents on this issue.)
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