In my opinion that what is most discouraging is the "balancing" of the game.And that "balancing" is mostly nerfing... Nerfed/banned perks/traits/weapons(' AP cost)/drugs/CritHits/equipmentMy advice is that "balancing" the game would be about upgrading features which require it. Not nerf those features which are solid already!
To answer the question why there is not enough players...Because this game sucks. They added all these stupid buggy changes and it frustrates players into quitting the game. I honestly do not see the point in this game myself with all the bugs and horrible new ideas that are bugged. And the town control sucks and is completely boring and pointless.
But I think that before such a thing, major bugs need fixing first. Since that's what kills new players more than mauraders.
I think the biggest problem is not only the amount of new players coming in but them actually staying.From a new guy perspective the biggest problem is making a tent. Let's remember that new guys are loners because they don't know anybody yet. That's why it is a real pain for them to gather 10 hides for a tent. (remember that they don't know how to play and make a good build). This alone makes them go away. If we could get around that and make it easier for them the chance for them to continue playing would be higher.I already suggested that every new char should start having his tent somewhere on the map. Make it be in a awkward location but at least he would have a place to store his items. Besides, he would make a new tent anyway because of the far away location of his original tent but at least it would be easier to do it having a place to store items in the first place.
Any action or inaction in a position of power will always grant you enemies