Most of this games issues stem from low population, it's that simple. The DEVS are currently trying to address that by working on PVE mechanics and Alpha. That's good, it needs to be done, the game needs people and people need content. I see a lot of posts in this thread that seem to be more intent on demanding features/changes for personal gain.. eg I want this, or I want that. It's not about what the few ACTIVE remaining players want, it's about getting more people into the game, new people, fresh people. These people will have their first experience on Alpha and not give one crap about the beta/gamma politics.
If those people have a bad experience in the first two weeks then it's a pretty good chance they will leave. If they have content that challenges them, if there is risk of losing bots, even just mining, they may be more likely to stay. Either way, if getting more people means accepting mechanics/systems that might not suit us (the existing ACTIVE players) then so be it. Adapt or leave.
The DEVS are a small team, they cannot be expected to get everything done at once and provide all things to all people. A lot of things need work, Alpha NPC's, missions, general Alpha content, beta sap mechanics, beta NPC's, loot tables, number of islands, corp/Alliance management tools etc etc, the list is extensive. They have to start somewhere, best to start with Alpha and getting new content to entice new players.
ohh and trying to force people into a play style (like PVP) will fail miserably and guarantee that some new players will leave the game for good. Offer instead incentives for them to PVP, encouragement if you will, but softly in the background so to speak.
ok end rant now..
Ohh one more thing, sometimes I think the biggest turn off to the new players are the bitter old vets (yes I'm one of them, but I'm not bitter) trying to influence the newer players as soon as they appear in gen chat. Just leave them be for a while guys, don't try and recruit them straight away into all the political BS, let them experience the game a bit on their own. If you want to help them then relocate to the Alpha one islands and help them, but don't poison their experience with old bitterness.