After playing GW2 for a spell, I noticed that even old zones from the initial release are quite lively. With an almost Eureka | Bozja feel to it as a multitude of folks cycle through content that was released years prior. Thus giving everything a more 'lived in' sensation.

With FFXIV, I've noticed that after the initial burst of excitement with new zones it emulates an entirely empty feel. Like your WoL is by their lonesome with only the occasional glimpse of a fellow adventurer. Housing even reflects this, with it being somewhat rare to cross paths with another player in the district unless you're attending a venue.

Is this intentional by design?

And is it entirely bad or is there some good to be found in the lack of traffic present in a single instance?