Numbers use to jump in the summer, all those "squeekers" would join up and most would drop out when school started back up. We dont seem to get many of them any more.
Yes the numbers seem to be stable compared to last year, but many think game play is going down hill faster. Only way for you to be sure is join up for a month and give it a try.
It's pretty much my own observation on the EU timezone from the past 13-14 years. I always had the idea the numbers dropped a bit in summer. Back than I would log in at 1 pm and play till 1 am(during my time with The Wreaking Crew it often was 4am). Now it's not worth my time to log in before 8pm. Not enough competition. But that's how the last 5 years have been.
Gameplay always had his ups and down. The only thing I noticed, certain individuals like to hide behind there friends and only come in to pick as of late and than whine about it when it somewhat happens to them.
Good thing Seano came along to fight me straight up and whoop my butt the other day, now that was a fight

Other good things are NRshida's breakfast club! Very good duels where going on there!
And don't forget about the scenarios, FSO and Fortress Europe!! I can recommend anyone those

DutchVII