Would be good to know if there is anyone else in the pond to hang out with while I wait in queue and other people are more likely to join if they can see someone is already there.
#Add current number of players in the pond to the menu
idle umbra
hexed ocean
but then people would also be less likely to join if nobody's there yet 
snow burrow
Slapshot promoting gambling
idle umbra
but then people would also be less likely to join if nobody's there yet <:Hmm:87...
I actually think people would be more likely to join because with a player count you have a way to signal to other players that you're there. Right now it seems like people just assume it's empty by default (at least in OCE).
rotund helm
but then people would also be less likely to join if nobody's there yet <:Hmm:87...
unreverse psychology 
mossy herald
Kinda sounds like a chicken and egg scenario. I think it's at least worth an experiment.
As far as OCE goes, the pond is generally empty. Randoms may join every now and then during the day (I don't have a way to tell ofc), but seeing an empty pond, will leave pretty quickly. If they've got mates, they'll make customs and play there.
I join the pond every now and then, so I base my thoughts above on that. I've rarely had people join, and while a significant amount leave quickly, some stay and chat simply because I engage in a chat with them.
So I think a counter has little effect on new players. I understand this is just an OCE perspective, however (: