I agree, active playerbase is a big deal, yet it is so tricky. A lot of people won't join if the server doesn't have a decent playerbase; but then how does it get an active playerbase in the first place, if that's exactly what people are looking for before joining?

There are some decent remakes content-wise still around, even in present year 2017, but the playerbases are certainly smaller than ever.

I think the "no p2w" aspect of remakes is attractive, as it keeps a focus on gameplay and general having fun, but it's also a downside because it usually means there will be no advertising.

RuneRebels has an impressive legacy, keeping the server up for so long. I checked up on the site a few times recently, and they get around 0-5 players online usually, sometimes up to around 10.

They have recently released more game-content updates, but still not seen much in way of playerbase growth. I don't know what to suggest, other than possibly updating their website. Having a thread a rune-server could help with publicity too I guess.

In general I think it sucks that remakes are the highest quality genre of RSPS, yet they see such a small audience.

ProjectRS06 had hundreds only in 2013 before the release of jagex's old school servers. I wish remake servers could see that kind of audience today.