That people are still intersted in this game is reassuring

Here's my take on your questions.
1. Honestly? I see the recent population growth here is stagnant or worse. The current developments left a lot of people feeling disheartened and some regular players may have already decided to leave for good. I wouldn't say people are leaving in "masses" though (perhaps because there weren't masses around in the first place

). There's enough people around for now though, and the additions being made now and the near future may end up bringing in more people than it removes. Who knows.
2. Newbie bashing is the exception rather than the norm. I've yet to see it occur in the game since it hit retail, although of course that's not to say it doesn't happen. Really, you should expect a warm welcome from almost everyone you meet.
3. It's an interesting system for sure, especially due to the customisable actions making it possible to achieve the same thing in different ways. Of course some ways are better than others but that can also come down to personal preference too!
For instance, when fighting with a melee weapon do you draw mainly from your stamina reserves or from hp? Will you consider exerting more energy in order to improve your chances of scoring a hit or inflicting additional injury to the target?
With crafting though, the diversity comes from the range of materials available rather than the configuration of stanzas. Each piece affects the overall stats of the item and (in the case of armour) colour as well. There's room for experimentation there for sure
It'll be hard going at first, but shout out in region and you should get some well-meaning advice to get you moving.
4. There is a solid roleplaying community here. Plenty of the pure gaming mindset too, but by and large both groups together with the in-betweens get along just fine (just stay away from the forums

)
5. Well, I've been playing since the April open beta last year if that's any help

Fun is formed pretty much in your own way, with little in the way of designated tasks to keep you occupied. Therefore, going out and exploring the world, hunting for experience and general socialising makes up the bulk of the entertainment. Regular events concocted by other players and the game staff provide most of the rest.
ps seeing how you are on a 7 day trial I would suggest leaving the newbie lands as soon a possible as they can be a bit lonely and isolated.
Seconded! This is general advice that's repeated to just about all the new players, and for a reason. The new lands really are a bad representation of our world and I'm sure players have left because of it. Everything you have over there you got in the main areas too, with the addition of the community you would otherwise be separated from. So do come over ^_^