I may have a solution for 1017 MR.SE

[Hokulol]

In my opinion the best way to reduce server load would be to add an AFK limit for the time being. A strict one. 10-15 minutes.
They can't make a jerk reaction and double their server capacity only to have the curve of users decline to what will most likely be closer to their estimated population. Not if you want there to be SE tomorrow, anyway. People often forget that SE is a business. There's no sense in tanking the company to make sure that the peak of the curve is taken care of.