Being a new player my self, and being active on EVE which from what I understand gave some inspiration to make Perpetuum, here is what I think:

1. Reqs can be good if not too steep cause they can show what a player needs to be at least a bit proficient with a robot. Another case would make something like EVE and certificates/achievements tied to mech handling proficiency so a newbie knows the skills to focus for being good at it. Sure it needs some coding but would make newbies adjust and eventually stay in game. The vets part on it would be advise newcomers to finish the achievements/certifications for the mech/role they want. Right guidance and friendly community is often what a new player needs

2 I tried the game 1 month + trial in 2012 and I can tell you this game needs more mechs to look a more complete work since back then. Why not have a remote reps bonus category mech for example? And what is the point of having small and medium weapons when max is medium? I mean you may it look a beta stage game. Either Rename to normal and large size weapons or make the heavies too. Same way you could go for a dreadnaught class of mechs that cant hit at all mechs and miss medium and heavy ones often but can hit hard structures. You could make a transport mech that transports Players inside for surprise attack. It would give more strategies in pvp. My point is you can add meaningfully more mech that can give more strategic options, and give Depth in PVP tactics, the options are countless, I just mentioned a couple coming to mind

3. To get a decent population you need to handle server stability. The most annoying thing for a player is not being able to log or lagging so much he is forced to stay in a terminal all day. Also keep in mind players pay a subscription for it, some for multiple accounts and are losing time

4. I have been reading things about islands and danger factor towards cost. The logical would be the deeper and least safe you venture the more rewarding it gets. Every lvl deeper give a bit more in advantages(example resource spawns to be more and richer) Also gives a reason for PVP battles over strategic resources as well as diplomacy.

I dont say all that is doable , and pretty sure they can cost you time and money, but from a newbie players perspective who played mostly similar games(sandboxes) that is what I think best. Since I am new to the game if I did any mistake correct me but I thought it would be to your benefit a new player to give his views

I doubt the same since it was like 5-10 people usually on General chat and I see more like 25-35 most times on the new account I made but I guess still low numbers.By the way I recovered my old account too. Character creation seems somewhat changed. We used to pick one of 3 companies