Mm, i think it's undeniable that the game is on the decline. however, after server transfers are implemented, I think the game will really pick up because people will transfer off the dying servers and funnel into higher population servers.
this game is highly dependent on population - clans, sieges, raid bosses, tough exp grind, etc. And when the servers have low population, it's pretty miserable. But, like I said, I have my fingers crossed.
also, you can find a website to buy a trial code from - that's a temporary cd key and two weeks play time all for about $6 depending on the site. My point being, why not try it out for a couple weeks?