Unfortunately, at least for right now, to not settle beside a good-sized junk pile is a huge disadvantage. The time and danger involved in leaving the safe area to find junk is considerable. My green fog spot happens to have a good sized one, and it's seriously growing on me, because the neighbors aren't crowding in yet. I like the spacious, lonely feel, and for things to stay that way after the actual launch, I think there will need to be new areas opened up rather quickly.
Tribes are going to sneer at solo players and homesteaders of course, but that has nothing to do with this issue. The piles are going to shrink, and eventually they'll be gone. The more people in an area that need things made by crafters, the faster the piles in that area will shrink. Some tribes may even end up moving to new piles as theirs are depleted. A smaller tribe or solo player will stay put longer.
I think the size is perfect for the time being, I want to be able to see neighbors and interact with them.
Right now a lot of people aren't logging on because of lag and the impending wipe. And we're just the preorders. There could be a big influx of players right after official release. But those players will be none too happy if they show up in a crowded world with no place for them in it.
Been walking around for a few hours today, exploring the untamed wilds. Did not see a single animal, but did see a lot of people. It's not too crowded now, I think it's nice and busy at the moment. But if a lot of people join in 2 weeks, it could easily become crowded...
Well like any peoples that discover new lands, you work from the edge and work inward. I'd say that most big encampments are pretty close to starting zones. Urban sprawl will happen. I did see a good size junk pile pretty far west of a certain spawn point. Way out in the boonies. Needless to say, a tribe has found it and made it their home.
A lot of those were built after yesterday's announcement, so they won't be there after this next wipe. And if those of us who did find spots aren't very lucky, ours might not be there, either. Depends on what the devs say can be saved, they're still working on it, as far as I know.
So save your coords and be ready with your track shoes on come Launch Day II!