Indeed CCP must be happy. After 10 years they got 500 thousand players flying through space everyday. The huge growth was seen since December 2012, when Chinese server (Serenity) started. Another fact that may have impact is Dust 514 free MMOFPS. The games are connected by common chat and Dust players might ask for air support EVE players.
EO is a perfect example that well crafted MMO can stand at the market not using freemium model. CCP team can be happy that their stubornness was appreciated. And hello! Appreciated by millions!!! ;).