You're just not looking hard.
I began playing half a month ago and I've found plenty of players willing to roleplay. Not something with plots, or whatever, but they keep in character, answer to your questions, react to answers and do everything you're supposed to do when you're not following a line.
Just be sure to go near Harnquist and at the Tavern, where you find players, and try to talk with them. Don't expect them to come up to you though...