Could you make new characters when au ra came out? I can't even make an alt on my server, and I imagine there's a fair number of servers you can't make an alt on.

So, your only option is buying a fantasia.

I also think the later you go in an MMOs life, the fewer and fewer people show interest in new races.

Just look at the census for WoW- belfs, humans, night elves are still the top three races by a massive margin- as in, half the playerbase or more plays them. Even compare belfs and velfs, same model different factions, velfs giving the Alliance their long sought high elf model.

Belfs are around 30%, I don't think velfs are even 3% of max levels- and each xpac comes with a level boost potion so it's not like the levelling process is a big factor anymore.

I guarantee if viera had came out in ARR or even HW they'd be considerably more populus.