Some of the scuttlebutt I've read and heard in-flight has to do with wanting to keep a steady stream of new meat coming into the game. I don't know usage at peak time, or the max number, but I can think of one excellent effective way to do it.
It would seem that If a currently subscribed pilot gets someone new to sign-up, then HiTech might reward the current pilot with a free month of play. This strategy has done wonders for Earthlink internet service, and as long as there are some terms and conditions that protect HiTech so that it doesn't lose money, this might work.
This idea already been discussed and/or implemented/rejected?
BotaBing