Doesn't matter how much content and how many modes of play are in SOT, having less players on a server as opposed to more basically reduces the purpose of having more tools for pvp while completely changing the way we play and even making some functions completely obsolete.
Example: we have the ability to bury chest, but does anyone actually ever use it? we really have no need since there typically is one or 2 ships on the server and no need to hide something in a hurry.
Another example is having the ability to purchase cannons and other pvp supplies, so unless you are constantly playing HG battles, you don't really need more supplies since whatever you find is enough for us to get by vs the PVE and those few ships that might show up looking for a fight.
Point being, if there were more players per server, more ships, say 10 ships per server, i guarantee it would be a game changer BUT i do know this is probably not possible and never going to happen in this version of SOT but as a simple suggestion for RARE to make it so if it is ever possible.
This is obviously my opinion and limited to how i see the game.