Tateru says the grid is emptier and people like it that way. Second LIfe Low Population Density "The majority of Second Life users come from urban areas with moderate to high population densities. Given the option of a townhouse or a half-acre in the same physical location, at the same cost, most would opt for the larger space rather than the smaller -- absent any increase in actual property value."

Dunno, would you look at an empty web page to relax? Go to a chat room for peace and quiet?  My take is that the land bubble in SL is about to burst--so start packing your prims as your landlord may hard to find when your rental parcel and the sim it's on are gone.