The system population is over 8 million. So it's more of an average pop system, rather than a low pop one.
Average starts at 50mil and ends at 100mil in my book, but I guess everyone's different on that.
Regarding what the OP said:
Getting challenged as a Wing through the BGS shows what the people you're flying with are made of. I personally wouldn't want to trade the Wing I am in for any other, knowing the people in here will come together and defend what was created. Even more so if you're not winning a battle and lose something, not giving up and turning things around is even more inspiring.
Persistence pays off big time when you see your PMF grow and thrive against the odds. Also knowing that your adversaries are only able to try to destroy your efforts but are completely incompetent when it comes to actually build something like you do. Small setbacks like making you lose a Station or even kicking you out of a System they might count as a victory, but in essence it's just a small diversion in your overall plans.
Adapting to the situations thrown at you is the key and makes you overcome even the biggest obstacles. But in the end it comes down to the people in the Wing backing you up. Without their support even the stoutest defender of a PMF will be forced to yield.