When can I realistically expect to create a character?

[NovaLevossida]

If it's one of the more populated servers, then it is probably going to be another week.

Is there any way that I can tell which are more populated than others? Like specific amounts?

The Cactuar server is the one I'm trying to get onto. I have RL friends there and a linkshell / guild already established for an online community that has existed prior to FFXIV's initial creation that I'm a member of.