PvP Server Population?Follow

I used to play on Tallon Zek one of the PvP Teams servers. I quit EverQuest right after the Luclin expansions for several reasons (although mainly because I didn't want / couldn’t afford to update my computer). Well about two years (?) later I managed to get around to it. I built an entire system from scratch in anticipation for EverQuest 2.

Unfortunately I have this nice machine and haven't really pushed its limits yet. On top of that EQ2 looks to be a long way off, and I am starting to feel the old EverCrack addiction kicking back in. I've been thinking of returning to the lands of Norrath.

I am for the most part a Role Player. Unfortunately I just can't play on a blue server -- it's not the same -- I enjoy the challenge of fighting intelligent people. I enjoy the banter and the struggle. I enjoy playing the under dog, the Holy Paladin killing all evil, the psychotic necromancer that shows no mercy to any living thing, the evil Shadow Knight that wishes to consume the world in an everlasting darkness... It is what makes this game fun.

I decided to play ShadowBane to try it out. Unfortunately the server population was extremely low. Although their lore is extremely well done, their class and skill system complex and detailed, and their combat system well done... it had extreme downfalls. The thing that caused me not to go beyond the 10 day trial was the lack of people who played on the server. I even tried another server which had a total of 14 people playing on it. At the servers peak it had about 600 people.

Thus this brings me to the point of this post and my question: The EQ PvP Servers have never been very populated, but through rumor and hearsay I've heard they've dramatically declined in population. Does anyone know how populated the PvP Servers are currently? If I log on will I not be able to find a group at a low level? Will I be the only person in my newbie zone?

I am rather certain of the state of affairs on the servers. I am reluctant to play on Rallos Zek because of item loot, but if more people play on Rallos -- I will certainly go there. I'd prefer not to play on Sullon Zek, but unless things have changed it is still the least populated of all the servers.

Thanks to anyone who can answer my questions. Hopefully once they are answered I can determine whether or not I should by EverQuest Evolutions, LoDN, and Gates of Discord. I've been contemplating this decision for nearly a month but am unsure if coming back will be worth it.

Gah! No one can answer my question? Do people still play on PvP Servers in decent enough numbers at all levels of the game?

Thanks Josettee!

If I were to play on Rallos as a Shadow Knight how hard would it be to find decent low level no drop gear? (Gear I'd upgrade to after my newbie quest gear.)