I returned recently myself, and it's as you say - a number of people on my friends list are officially AWOL, and quite possibly not returning 
Mind you, there is still a good number of long-time players left, many names you would recognise I think. Plus, SWG seems to have donated quite a few people recently, which can only be a good thing (Obviously not for SWG, but it's past saving I now I think...)Personally, I've hardly played since re-subbing - I mainly resubbed to post in Alibooma's "where are they now" thread, and decided to play for a little while too. Sadly, I'm 'disillusioned' with MMOs at the moment, and the blame doesn't lie 100% with MMOs
I can't really decide what I want from an MMO, after playing several and finding the classic pattern of liking 50-75% of each game, desperately wanting something that combined those good points. I really do like Ryzom, it has a special place in my hazy recollection of gaming enjoyment But, I really need something like R2 to raise my interest again - the changes made since I left really don't appeal to me, for one reason or another. I'll just enjoy posting here for now, and take it as it comes, rather than forcing myself to play and becoming annoyed.Anyhow, I hope you find enough enjoyment to stick around guys - I know some of your friends have left, but we're talking about a year here - even in the bizarrely extended timeframe of MMOs, that is still a fair bit of time by any measure
And remember, people DO come back - like me, like you, and like others who may be thinking about it right now