lack of new users showing up in the XMR forum
Since I'm the one who frequently answers their questions about downloading, installing, and using the software I can tell you this is 100% wrong. There are new users all the time. Sometimes I wish there weren't so many (not really).
I also sometimes answer these questions on IRC and occasionally PM.
This idea of no new users is either wishful thinking on your part, or just made up, or both.