I think its a combination of things. There are still some cheat things working and people are adapting to the changes or making the changes so they can use the programs.
As for my absence in Fel and most of my guildies absences -
One, a guildmate lost their suit yesterday to another person in Fel and they wont return the suit. I've lost items lately as well. This is happening while people have gold and checks in the bank, so this is a huge reason I wont play in Fel right now. I'm not losing a good suit to anyone on this shard or any other shard and wont risk it at the moment. I think a lot of ppl in my guild agree on this one. It's not worth it.
Two, a lot of people are playing the actual SA expansion. Fel players and Tram players alike are all wrapped up in the new stuff. There are so many things to do right now. I know every time I log on, we're doing something in SA. Puzzles, peerless, trying to get ingredients, training new skills, etc.
So I wouldnt count on it being the lack of 3rd party programs as to why you dont see certain people in Fel right now. I can tell you honestly, on Origin, the people not enjoying the SA content are sitting in their Fel houses twiddling their thumbs waiting for something to do or not logging in at all.