Thing is you need to realize that WoW is almost 10 years old. Its incredible that it has even retained 8 mil subs. When is comes to gaming Age is also a factor people move onto other things and newer games for new gameplay experiences and for Some Newer graphics.
I don't think Everquest 2 is retaining thwe same amount of subs as 8 years ago, no game has climbed up in subs year after year after year. This just doesnt really happen.
I been playing since vanilla and ive taken breaks in each xpac when im urnt out but return when i feel the need to. I play other games like recently completed Bioshock Infinite an now im onto the Last of Us. Im still playing WoW at the same time.
But Im looking forward ot the next expansion, admittedly im addicted to fresh expansions and levelling up again on my beloved chars.
Moral of the story is (TL
R) No game is expected to continue to grow after 8 years since release its just ridiculous to have that as an expectation.