Same problem in Oceania, despite the popularity of the Beta trial. Often, only have half the number of players necessary to start a game.
It's a problem with BF2042, and looks like it will be a problem with BF6.
In Aust/NZ/UK/EU there are strict consumer laws regarding products that are not 'merchantable quality', with the remedy being forced refunds. If something does not work as it is intended i.e. being able to play a online multiplayer game when you want to, then that game would fall under this definition. And before anyone mentions EA's terms and conditions, these are overridden by local laws.
As the OP points out, one solution is pooling regions. My suggestion is to lower the minimum number of played required to spool up a server to 1. Then new players can replace AI as they login.
