The player count isn't as important as the gameplay IMO.
The thing is - I'm not sold on the gameplay. At least not from what I've seen.
Plus - AI control generally leads to annoying, glitchy, exploitative player behavior.
If half the "players" on the map are AI controlled, then how exactly will these Mechs work?
1. Do you issue them orders?
2. Do they just follow you around like pets in a MMO with the basic "Offensive/Defensive/Passive" AI presettings?
3. Do they require a lot of micromanagement?
4. Do you have to stop what you're doing in order to manage your Mechs (if you're outside the Mech)? (ie, leaving yourself a sitting duck?)
Player count may be a big deal to some people, but I have more concerns about the AI stuff. Bad or limited AI can ruin a game faster than a low player count can.