Tranao,
thank you for your kind words. Believe it or not you and I are in 100% agreement. It was a great affront to my personal beliefs to put that last point in there.
nothing grates upon me - personally - more than test server copies. however, at this time, I could not come up with a better solution that would solve our immediate problem and deal with continued attrition.
If implemented, I also agree that the transfers should be one way - they should not be allowed to transfer their character off test in any way/shape/form. The only way I could come to terms with myself for even proposing the solution was to implement something along the lines of CoH's character transfer - you come over with *nothing* other than what you have "equipped". no cash. no inventory. no nothing.
This would minimize the impact the transfers of those who want to get a glance at new content but not actually be a part of testing. It would also help mitigate some of the impact to the test server economy from those who would be coming over.
We're seeing some of that leak already with people charging high prices on the exchange for lowbie gear. I sincerely hope this does not become the standard practice and I hold great fear and trepidation that, with character transfers, it will be.
Unfortunately, as I said before, I had no better solution to proposed and I avowed not to put forth a concern unless I could also propose a viable, plausible solution.
As for the current population being underutilized. I agree with that as well and have made that point a few times in the post. Specifically, I was speaking of Light's End.* They have been working with very deliberate and dedicated purpose to get their members to 50 so they can help with raids. Because of their drive and passion, they are a bit more than disappointed when they are continually passed over, ignored or shunned.
Whether this is the perception of a few people or actual practice is of little consequence. The perception is a reality to those who perceive it. The damage is done. And it is that damage that I'm hoping to help remedy. I'm hoping that a few changes made by those who have the power will be met with positive overtures from the test population as well. Even small steps can be progress...
*I know there are others that are 50 on the server as well and I'm sure they would like to participate. I was not thinking of myself or the ASC when I wrote this post because frankly, I'm not a raid fan but I will go where the devs need me. The ASC is also populated with a great many lowbies (can you say alt-o-holics boys and girls? i knew you could 
) We'll go where the devs need us but in the general sense, we do not suit their immediate testing needs - unless it's crafting or diplo 