I would expect they want to avoid an actual server merge (non-optional transfer) due to the number of inactive accounts on the existing low population servers as a merger would create more issues down the road if those inactive accounts become active at a future date. So, instead of merging they offer transfers which should theoretically only result in active accounts (characters of people who are actually playing the game now) being transferred.

My friends that I play with are currently travelling out of the country. How long will the option to transfer for free and to the same server be available? I don't want to run into a situation where I transfer now and my friends can't transfer when they get back, or they are transferred to a different server. What's the plan Bioware and should I transfer now or wait until they get back?

Props on the right response Bioware!

I have a combined 265 levels between my 8 toons. I do not have a lvl 50 because I keep my toons at level to play with friends and run the instances with them. I could have had a level 50 by now but this is an MMO...where you play with other people...like friends. I have been subscribed to this game since the first day it released. How am I not a valued player Bioware? How?