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This might very well be my own dellusions but it seems to me that 40k has seen an increase in it's player base during 7th ed. I seem to see far more newbloods then before, though it could just be a local thing. Often the story goes someone begins with aos and then move on to 40k. Am I wrong in this or has others noted the same?

The intro kits and Start Collecting! boxes have made the hobby more approachable. Codexes are easy to get for cheap and customer service is leaps and bounds ahead of what it used to be.

Flip side of the coin:

https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/715911.page

I would generally agree, quite a few new players I've seen over the last year or two.

The prices are lower than in the past. The kits, get started packages, etc, even if purchased at GW retail, are huge savings. Couple that with getting them on Ebay, or Amazon Prime, and it's really easy to get into it.

For instance, a friend got a "Start Collecting! Orks" kit for like $25 American, unopened. That's dirt cheap. It comes with a Warboss, something like 20 boyz, and a Trukk.

Also, Kill team means you can buy a TAC squad and start playing actual games, and learning the basics of the rules in a casual setting.

Lastly, the continued evolution of the game is positive in my opinion. The addition of a dedicated psychic phase was really cool. Obviously some things to iron out but by in large a resounding success.

Yes and no. Certainly seen a lot of new players, but I see a lot of veterans still refusing to budge and give GW another dime while also spouting their dislike of the game. That certainly puts a damper on player count.

I'd say it's up from the past couple years, but lower than it was in the 2000's.