The actual number of players shown aren't near as important (in my opinion) as are the trends.
Trends are always there (ups, downs, all time highs, all time lows, plateaus) there just a fact of life.
The plateaued DAU trend is the one that concerns me "the fighter" the most.
The reason for my concern is that a plateaued DAU means the same core group of players are logging on and collecting XP each day but the new players aren't.
If the DAU's aren't growing than it stands to reason that the new players aren't falling in love with the app and if they aren't falling in love with the app than they aren't making it into the range of those of us who have.
Zombie Slayers is possibly the best PVP fighting app that I've ever played and taking into consideration Facebook's antisocial stance on sending friend request to more than a few people a day (only people you personally know, I should add) its definitely the most logical I've ever played.
The problem in the beginning stages of Zombie Slayer isn't in being bullied (protection period / hitlisting restrictions) *eye roll*
The problem isn't in the ability to fill your squad requirements.
The problem isn't that its too hard to gain XP. (it is possibly too easy)
The problem isn't that its too hard to gain game credits (UN credits)
The problem is that its hard to navigate and this makes the learning curb long and daunting. By the time new players find their way around all the different tabs, and start to get a grasp on what they all do, they're a few hundred levels in and realize that they've totally screwed the pooch with their build... So, they just give up.
Instead of treating the new players like a bunch of babies that need protection and should be restricted in their gaming actions, developers
should look at how to make all the different aspects "needs to succeed" more transparent to new players.
No squads available in your range, check back soon.