Ya know...there are black and white crappie. I did work in Texas and I think the doormats were white crappie. I can't recall, but I think the Colorado crappie are the smaller black version.
Now if I am correct, then the question is whether the black crappie is more condusive to cooler water temps. If this is why DOW or Parks and Rec or whatever they are these days, doesn't stock white crappie. Instead they have opted for wippers which I believe compete with or crappie.
Now if what I have just postulated has some basis in truth, that might be why the bigger crappie are as rare as muskies on your hook. And to further add to my presumptions, the lakes that still have a good population of crappie are the small ponds with and overpopulation stunting the yummy tasting minnow eaters.
Feel free to rip up my theories and observations as I am getting old and too senile to remember the last one I caught in Colorado. LOL