I think the problem of Astrum wanting to create a new realm is it wants to create only theocracies. SA isn't popular anymore. It is not that it isn't interesting. The problem is people just aren't interested in religions in general. How many religions actually are attracting people at the moment? Maybe disallowing people to stay pagan might solve the issue but until then I don't see people being interested in joining Astrum for the sole purpose of forming another theocracy.