I think the recent patch changes regarding housing were actually a step to help alleviate the problem. I don't think their intention with that change was to entice players back. They have acknowledged the problem and have said they plan to address it, and I think this was one common sense change to help move in that direction. I've seen other MMO's struggle with housing problems that stretched on for long periods. Usually its an issue of resources regarding their network infrastructure or storage. You have to be very mindful about how you expand or add additional loads to your system. Housing is often met with technical hurdles, due to the sheer volume of resources it demands. This is why I think you see many MMO's who have housing often have similar issues. They will often implement ways to ensure the housing that is in game is not sitting abandoned first, and I feel a good chunk of FFXIV's housing is presently in this abandoned state. The housing system needs to be efficient and have an automated wya of dealing with houses that are abandoned. My complaint with most developers is why such systems arent part of an initial housing system implementation. Imagine if this system had been in place since day 1. You would see a few houses opening up on a regular basis.