You know, on another forum, I would write off a post like he OP's as narcissism, because, there, it is. Some here frequent that forum and play that game, and you may disagree with me. I stand by it, though.
Here, in this place, in this time, I understand. I've been there. I used to post a lot, sometimes spending entire days surfing the various topis and threads, waiting for the next person to reply. I don't really have a good analogy for it, but it probably wasn't healthy.
Then, I go busy with things, and I would only have a chance to post or comment once or twice a day, then only stop in for a quick read of new posts. Now, I would have to look at my profile to see when the last time I posted was. It may not have even been this week.
But, make no mistake: I haven't lost hope, only zeal. It's sad to see a thread like this from you, if you're even still here to read this, because your name is one that I've seen since "the beginning." I understand where you are coming from on this, but I'm channeling my frustration by throwing myself into work and study. I'm learning to program. I rebuilt the front porch on my mom's 100 year old house. I know that the projects here will take time, so I'm finding things to take my mind off it, while maybe giving me a chance to help out. It's like the old School House Rock about
Munchies. Go outside. Find stuff to do!
I forget how I wanted to close this out, so I'll leave you with this. Don't take the silence as a sign of dwindling numbers. There are 23000+ registered members, here. True, most have never posted, and a majority of the rest have fewer than half a dozen to their names. But, for every person who registered, there are at least 4 more who are aware of this efforts, here, and check the forums from time to time for updates. Lurkers.
Don't think of the silence as dwindling community. Think of it as an army lying in wait, ready to ambush the MMO Bourgeoisie.