Don't have any 'useful' input about the matter except for the known argument of 'summerseason' maybe, but that has just passed..
I couldn't enjoy the times LW was full a lot unfortunately, quite newskool aye.
Though there are still times (ok not often at all) the server hits about 130 players and that's great right, I think 'dying' is a big word.
Some people get different interests and play less, others just figured this game and start from zero so there's a new generation.
It all swings within time and there's no standard frequency of activity, maybe it's kind of unrealistic to want LW filled at its max constantly since this game wasn't even meant to go online.
(Not aware of other server-activities so you can correct me and blabla).
So yea the definition of LW dying differs per person too, imagine you're just new to this game and join LW.
Your first impression would be: WOW I can't hit shit but I am aiming at them, cheaters! (ok.. its what I thought mayne, not LW but SAMP in general with its shitty leadaim).
Then you'll look around to see what is possible and you'll discover a LOT of things you didn't know were possible on MP and keep exploring.
Over time everything becomes usual and common to your eyes and you create your own style of playing and this is where your definition really starts:
Are you the type to hang @ NAM allday everyday for some competition?
Are you the type to participate in any race possible if not, block them?
Are you the type that wants every property?
Are you the type that likes gambling?
Are you the type that hangs @ Roca Escalante or the Ship to get 'easy' kills?
Are you the type that just likes cruising with someone you know?
Are you a roleplayer?
I forgot plenty of (stereo)types, and most likely its a combination of these factors.
But to me I find myself to be bored when there are no regular players that know how to shoot (not saying I do) or when there are hardly any races hosted.
And I admit I haven't hosted any races myself lately, I'm not complaining about it I just like seeing lots of them.
(Same goes for events btw, those are great from time to time!)
So yea you could say I find LW dying when there is nothing fun for me to DO even when the server is filled at its max.
I'd be bored as hell if there were 200 players, but they were all Bot7 (no offense homie! <3), but all in all the atmosphere is good on LW and that's what makes the server, quality over quantity.
Just depends on what you define as quality?
Oh I started this post because I wanted to laugh @ the 500 players, I can already see LV filled with 500 players
(you'd probably incorporate another city, but just the idea..)