Oh I've always been around haha. Just not posting anything until recently, one of my long time original VMK friends is active again so I came on a few times.
I haven't been booted in a long time. It's only irritating when you are trading someone and you get booted. Then you have to try and find that person to finish up. Personally, I prefer the term "shoeing" over booting. Boots get a bad rap.
Wish granted, but while eating your unburnt sausage, you forget to turn the burner off and your house catches on fire.
I wish I could get myVMK to load for me.
The fact that there are pretty much no host events is probably one reason that there aren't a lot playing the game right now.
Many players have already stated some great ideas to help get the game active again. Events, quality items, limited time stuff, etc are all good ideas :)
Good luck!