Depends on the rates of the server for me, but for a low rate like HeRO hmmm... I'm not sure what kind of numbers we'd be looking at really, but I just like where there's not too much competition for monsters (everyone ksing cause there's nothing to kill), but enough to where all classes have their purpose (ie. A player base for BS/WS to sell crafted weapons to).
I also like to see enough players to have a good economy - so lots of vendors, and yet enough players still active to buy from them :]
Plus enough players where support classes can actually find parties to support :o
Hmm~ P: I'm not really sure but I think it's about 700 (non-vending) players or so