i think old players quit, and new players drop.
New players cos there is a deep between a char lvl 35 with 5 or 6 looms and a newbie. Even being brave, old players who spend all day in this game have so many tips and knowledges, added to high level and looms, new players drop quickly.
When i start this game, many players help me to be better. Ts invitation, EU3 invitation, etc.
Today, with a long streak without crpg (i don't have much leisure time, i use it without crpg), i have read when we have a newbie IG. "Not in my clan, we recruit only good players", "i don't help U, you are stupid french (really ?)", "go to read the forum".
Players kill their own game. Not dev. too much high levels players, too much looms. Any interest to continue to play, except the pleasure to fight with a sword. Erase the database, erase the looms, erase the highs levels !
With a long streak, i don't see any difference between crpg 4.3 and crpg 7.9. Ranged are ranged, 2H are 2H, Pike are Pike, Cavs are always cav and split the team make you lose, as always.