Linkshells...

[Eldaena]

Surprisingly I don't have this issue. My linkshell only has about 25 members, but there is almost always people on. However, I have heard of other Linkshells having these issues, especially after subscriptions started. It's also a void silence I would imagine happens between content bursts, lol. On our server there are lots of pick up groups happening though, so maybe your population is just particularly low? Nonetheless, I think some people just make linkshells to get things going somewhere (whether it be into the ground is up to them), then there are some linkshells that have more dedicated players and purpose.

Edit: There are a group of players on our server that have maxed out linkshells though. So, I guess I understand when someone might say they are a glorified chat room.