Y'know... everyone's terrified about a wipe-all or other changes that will impact all the filthy lucre they've amassed during the slow months of peace... but other people have grave concerns about attracting and keeping nuubs...
How about this suggestion: Pay to Compete
In other words: EP packages; 1, 6, and 12 month. To a maximum EP available on a given account of no more than 75% of the current maximum EP.
So, let's say that a character that started, day 1, and has kept active has 2 million EP (I don't know the total, so that's just an example number). Any current or new account can buy EP in packages up to 1.5m after which no further EP can be applied and they'll have to progress based on time as normal.
The EP package would be exactly the same as it would cost for a 1, 6, or 12 month subscription, but all applied immediately. No other benefits are given (thus standings and goods have to be worked for). They would, of course, need to purchase subscriptions thereafter as normal (or not, if they go the free-to-play route).
It's certainly not 'pay to win' or even 'get ahead', but can buff them enough to feel a little more competitive than a nuub in his arkhebot. Since nothing other than EP is provided there is no direct 'I win' correlation from premium purchase items or such.
This will very possibly attract new players, give them a means to become more established than a 0-EP nuub and give them an incentive to stay with just a bit more money up front which will fatten the developer's pockets perhaps enough to allow for some expansion?