The biggest issue I have seen on the server is that most of the older players that are left want a peaceful server and try to avoid any conflict. With no conflict there will be no RP.
The police clan will not chase any pirates or smugglers or even a bounty collecting merc.
Not many pirates are taxing.
No bounties are being posted.
Maybe we need to get a good conflict going and make it seen to all, use the forums and even the GR's and EM's could use universal chat to inform others online that there is a battle going on. That would hopefully get others joining in and keeping players busy which means they will stick around.
I have read the stories on this forum about some of the big battles that used to happen and was envious that I was not on this game when those happened, and I bet quite a few others feel the same way.
I would love to see some cops chasing pirates and pirates taxing and some work being offered for a merc on the server again.
Dosn't matter if some players are good or bad at PvP, what have they got to lose ? Just hit the reload button and try again, the fun is in the participation not in winning or losing.