It's too bad they weren't 64 players. I don't understand those who like to play in public servers with fewer players than max. Even the way people say and speak of , "pub" servers implies a derogatory and elitist tone.
I think the experience one gets from a full public server is the most fun. Usually, on a good server there are a core of regulars on anyway, and visiting clans. The regulars might not have clan tags, but are as good or better.
I find the clan folk the hardest to play with and it's the clans that detract from the good play at times. Some will come on in a group, have their own teamspeak going on, not communicate with the other players other than to make comments about how "noobish" everyone is compared to them (riiiight). They do their own thing and often won't deviate to help the team when the team is working the map in a different way from what they are used to. Now I'm not speaking of all clans, in fact, most clan players are great team players as well. but you know it's the rotten apples that spoil the bunch.
I like the unpredictability of the full public servers, the creative teamwork that comes up. A full server only contributes to this. If you take also into account the larger maps, especially some of the very large new maps springing up, even 32 players isn't enough. I can't imagine having much fun playing Berezina or Tractorworks with 8 or 16 players.