I think if people looked at this game as KOTOR 3 with an online component, they wouldnt get so upset.
Yes it had great potential but that is blown to be honest, an MMO has until the end of the free month to succeed, after launch people see what it is and dont want to return. Sad but true, once a person is burnt its rare that they'll return.
I just hope BioWare makes it more solo friendly, given the lack of people. Yes i already know its really solo friendly, but flashpoints with a full blown companion group and more solo content at 50 is needed. If they focus on that then this single player game with a multiplayer component should do well.