Well Let me be the first to welcome you back.
It kinda goes in waves of new toons. most people get out of Mercy/PO quick.
If you are looking for a fairly active VG I would suggest E.V.I.L (that's mine) I have anywhere from 5-10 regulars that show up everyday.
and I do have the hero counterpart G.O.O.D but right now that just very very empty I suggest The Angels. for an established laid back SG. It's ran by Amethyst Angel (who doesn't frequent the forums, but is a really good friend of mine) I have invite privlages.
Welcome back.
Agreeing with Scootertwo that people can get out of Mercy/PO quickly. But there is still plenty going on. Just checking these forums, there is stuff posted quite often.
Also, the global channels Victory Forum (PM a mod to be unsilenced after joining) and Victory Badges 2009 (Victory Badges is still full AFAIK) are good to join if you are looking for other players. Always people advertising S/TFs or teams.
I play at about the same times, and plenty of people are around then. As Penny said, joining the server chat channels is the way to go, as much of the advertising for teams goes on there. Still, you should be able to make teams and find people just using search.
If you're comparing to heroside, villainside is slower. But people are still around. I have a lowbie Arachnos Soldier who's been running around Mercy and Port Oakes lately, and he's seen plenty of other people about and broadcasting. Could just be timing, etc.
But join the channels, start teams, join teams, and be part of the community for sure. And welcome back! It should be fun... I came back about 18 months ago and had a lot of fun checking out all the things they've added. Made an already good game even better.
Guide: Tanking, Wall of Fire Style (Updated for I19!), and the Four Rules of Tanking
Story Arc: Belated Justice, #88003
Synopsis: Explore the fine line between justice and vengeance as you help a hero of Talos Island bring his friend's murderer to justice.
Grey Pilgrim: Fire/Fire Tanker (50), Victory
One of the popular misconceptions of Victory is that CoV is 'dead'. There is actually a very active player base who for the most part is overlooked because they are not active on the forums or in the 'major' global chat channels.
RIBO, Lostsouls, Original SM, Inherent Chaos, HAZTEAM, and Death Rangers (plus a few others) make a very supportive and active coalition of Villain groups. Not only are these players active they also run events such as: TF races, Scavenger Hunts, PvP events and much more.
While it is a ongoing joke that Victory has not run a successful Hami Raid yet, the truth be told there has been numerous Redside Hami raid successes mostly impart due to this Coalition and its players.
Unfortunately, I do not know who the leadership of these VGs are but I am sure if you ask in broadcast in Cap or GrandVille someone will be there who can get you invited into this group. I have to say I have been lucky enough to join these guys on some really fun events and SFs.
I am currently a member of a few VGs on the sever atm, i find that "Rogue Island Black Ops" And "E.V.I.L." are both realy realy good VGs to be a part of. Both of them have active players and a good knowlage base of the game. The leader of evil is a badger and a puger and is normaly up for crazy ideas.
[QUOTE=The_Masque;2385825] Lostsouls QUOTE]
As far as i know Haavv and most of the others in Losts are not playing CoX atm and havent for a few months other than me 
@Everest
@Hoey Moey - Retired
Ah, I feared that... haven't seen Haav in awhile. I just looked at the Coalition that RIBO belonged too to get the names of VGs.
I'm back to COX after taking a few years hiatus, I've started on a new account. I'm not seeing many players these days on Victory. I usually play after 8pm EST. COV is especially deserted in Mercy / Port Oakes zones. Is this normal?
I'm looking for an active laid back SG / VG ... I'm pretty much a casual player ... not into much into PVP.