The Dark Empire has plenty of quality: We have a nice strutuce, a great background with the setting, good resources and fine members. However we do not attract many people. Mainly because most new players wish to be berserkers, zealots or rich and the Empire requires patience, ambition and cunning.
The Ashes was also a good example, like Phinehas said. It didn't attracted much people, but it was one of the most splendid guilds I have seen. It had an original structure and a brilliant content.
Still getting many applications is a great sign. Means some people are interested and that the guild is growing.