Unfortunately, threads like this will only do more harm than good to your server. Now anyone coming to the OF to look for a good server that sees this thread probably will not pick Coeurl as a destination.

What can SE do to funnel new players to Coeurl or similar low pop servers? As of now, they close the high pop servers. Sadly, it takes a crowd to draw a crowd. Look at Balmung for example... folks would rather not play at all if they can't get into THAT server. >< People come to the OF and ask for 'active' servers.

What can players do? Advertise the shit out of your home server. What does your server offer that others don't? What about the FCs? You mention events, market those. Do you have friendly people willing to help newbies? Say so. Good place for solo players? See if you can entice them. Low cost (and still available) housing? Let people know.

Good luck!