Idk, I agree that I miss that function. But what about updating it slightly. For instance, when you log on your caracter, it says "welcome to XYZ, Welcome to Eorzea. There are X people your physical level range" (give or take say 3 levels).

That way, you know the number given isnt mostly top enders, although if you are a top ender, im sure that figure would be encouraging lol.

oh and..

No. The reason they got rid of it are for the following reasons.

#1 Websites were posting the declining population.
#2 It is discouraging to see declining population.

Now, you only feel the decline rather than seeing the actual numbers.
Seriously, why are you even here?