I guess per-player costs are significantly less than the full amount. For one thing, CCP wouldn't make any money if $1000 worth of subscription cost them $1000

I guess per-player costs are significantly less than the full amount. For one thing, CCP wouldn't make any money if $1000 worth of subscription cost them $1000 to serve. Moreover, a part of the maintenance expenses go to fixed costs like development, which are independent of the number of players.