Eve also has a smallish population of about 350,000 and seems to cater to a specific demographic. Dual has a wider appeal if for no other reason people are allowed to design and build their own creations.
I would have to imagine Novaquark would like to see as large of a population as they can get as this means $$$$$ which is the first reason to make a game for any company. Regardless, Nyzaltar has already stated that they have no intent on allowing planets to be destroyed.