The player base of this game is very small because only a minor number of people enjoy what it was. It is entering a new era where hopefully it will win players back. I know from reading other forums that enjoy challenges etc that people seem happier with the updates and battle system.

If these are the people (OP type) that the game has to lose to become bigger, better and more popular then so be it. I can't imagine the OP has played many MMOs..