I hope your situation improves when the merger happens. My server always has ppl shouting for LS recruitment and while its not as easy to find PT's outside of an LS as it used to, you can find them. And if you PT with the same ppl for a few hours you can usually have someone at the end thats looking for an LS or asking for you to join theirs.

It is very unfortunate that with a struggling game no one is willing to accept new players and grow the community on your server and I wish you luck in the merger! If that animosity continues afterwards your new server may have a long row to hoe.