FFXIV outdated patch cycle is one of the biggest issues in terms of content cadence.

[Jeeqbit]

Not sure how accurate mmo-population.com stats are

MMO population is not accurate because it was found to just be using the reddit stat.

I suggest referring to my post here which uses a number of sources (and cites them) https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...Estimate-Chart