i was thinking the same, until i realized that i'm one of them. : it is rather depressing, my lists of friends that are at college are down from their usual numbers by way more than half. there are only 6 of them on, and they're all 'away'!
but i can say, right now, it is mon night/tues. morning, and i'm online, and your away message is up. sooo.. phooey. :(