The off peak hours can be quite cruel. I've spent many nights flying around with nothing in sight and the only other "player" I ever saw was someone in a manned gun. I've resorted to just asking on 200 if anyone wants to fight and if no one replies then I just log off.
We need more Aussie players! 

I must be playing a different game than you guys! Every time I come into the game and start running missions, lots of bad guys show up and fun is had by all, the bomber pilots in blowing up something and the fighter pilots defending the bombers. Maybe the guys who just like to "furball", should try joining some of my missions, as there is always lots of action around, and that has been the case for the past 4 years. Of course, I don't get to go into the game in the "off" hours, mainly I am in after 6PM Eastern time.
Maybe its more fun to "furball" with someone as they have only one object to concentrate on, whereas, in attacking bombers which are escorted, you have to watch and plan the attack on the bombers and dodge the escorts at the same time. Maybe, situational awareness is to complicated for some people, I don't know, but looks to me like attacking a large formation of bombers, which are escorted, is one of the biggest challenges which this game has to offer!