The irony here, is this is an old thread, and they have actually added some major updates since this thread went quiet ;) The economy had nothing to do with it.
Times may be hard, but they arent quite that dismal. Since it is one of the least expensive games, and can even be played free within limitations, ability to pay for the game has not yet been given as a reason for leaving the game. Most of those here on POF stated when/if they left the game that the lack of content updates were the reason for their departure. A few have said that it wasnt worth paying for until updates came along, and left the 'unlimited' realm and played occasionally basic while waiting for content updates as well.

The new updates are nice but im somewhat unhappy that they havent released everything they promised considering that this is the end of the year. What happened to the new loot and inventory system? They said it was for the middle of the year, but when i asked in the grog blog, Cayman told me it was for the end of the year.... One thing is that they have not given us the Sept and Oct game insiders, and after the invasion there hasn't been an update yet... Earler it used to be that on the 20th of the month the update will be on test and on 31st or 1st of next month they would release it.... Disappointing that i don't see Ship Custom, the Kraken or anything they promised out by now, but i still would like to play on because Pirates is a fun game and i know they are going to come out with something, and anyway January is when im gonna play next.

Yea, this thread must be an undead raised by JR himself hehe :) As it is - it's funny that they have added several releases since this was made, even though D themselves have had to make some cuts to their staff.

It's just good to see them making progress in the game again after it sat for so long - now maybe we're gonna get somewhere.

Promised is a bit extreme, they mention that they were working on these items - no company promises delivery. Since there was no mention of JR, invasions, or the new ghosts to arrive on the scene and where that may be going - no one can't say they aren't delivering something now (and if a storyline is next then so be it - if it includes the kraken all the better - but I don't want that silly fish if it means no story line...) I never really cared about the kraken that much (now new Ships or Ship Custom - that my fortee :D).

Aye, the eekonomy has soured, but I 'm willing to give up that one small cheese pizza delivered to me house once a month to be able to play 24/7 on POTCO!

Except maybe the mail service. xD

Yeah, I'm willing to wait a little while longer for things, seeing as invasions will keep me busy.