Is the ease of getting around a factor? As a Rheinland Unlawful, I know Rheinland really gets me down because the Jump Holes and Base locations are stupid. I mean Munich - no one goes there.
I ask because Unlawfuls->Lawfuls->Unlawfuls etc. in terms of attracting activity.
Alternatively, It could start to get a lot better seeing as some of the better trade runs go through Kusari, now that Rheinland and Bretonia are at war.