an experienced player who has played cabal leaders and other chars with quest skills etc.

I suggested that the reason for the drop off is that cf is harder. The stupid overpowered skills are being removed and/or toned down. The cheating gangs (call them social groups if you want, but remember that many were groups designed to complement each other in pk and always on hand to gather the uber gear) have become less of a problem.

Personally, I think people are leaving because you roll up what you think is the kick-ass char, and it doesn't kick ass any more.

Oh, and that's not to mention that at some stage real life has to take center stage, for example, when you have a kid.