I have been playing the game since it launched in 2003. I am still playing the game for a very simple reason, it's fun.
There is a lot of bad rep being thrown around about the changes that have hit the game with the implementation of the NGE. But this game is still the best MMOG I have played... and I have played EQ2, WoW, CoH, CoV, DAoC and GW.
Are there problems... yes.
Are those problems being corrected... yes.
Have people left the game... yes.
Is the game dieing.. NO.
The two Role Playing communities within the game that I belong to are going strong. I have no problem finding players to interact with no matter what time I log on. I can personally say for a fact that many of the old time vets that I use to play with back in 2003 who left are starting to return to the game and many of them say that they will stay because of the direction that the NGE is taking the game.
If you are a Star Wars fan and are looking for a fun SW game then I truely recommend getting Galaxies. Come on in and join us :)