The server does seem quite, but when you get near end game there are plenty of shouts, most people lfg for coil and tower.

If your looking for a group or an FC check out party finder. Easier to use than shouting for the zone to hear.

I just came back myself, and found the server population very low compared to when I left at the beggining of the school semester. Of course I haven't played much at prime time. Coreth was plant busy with Fate Groups yesterday though.