I think that the problem with merging East & West servers is that of timezones. Many people choose a server based on where they live, in the hopes of finding more people to play with. Now, I live on the East Coast and wound up on Begeren Colony for some reason (can't remember why!). I know that the server is MUCH more populated later in the evening - and not so much at 7PM EST when I login.
I sort of think I'd pay to transfer to Ebon Hawk because it does seem to be more populated and is on the East Coast - but on the other hand, I really like the community on Begeren Colony. Maybe when F2P hits we will get an influx of West Coast RPers and all will be well.