your going to need real live actual players, very good point there, belive it or not.. the freerolls wont bring the players, rather the other way around.. i use the freerolls as a tool to get the players to dl and sign under me with the casinos.. and a way to keep their interest in my site..
I do have a few thoughts for you..
If you are doing some things to get ppl TO your site, you then need to get them over to that forum, to become a part of your community.. One thing you need is forum posts.. Ill go post there in just a sec as a matter of fact.. There is also http://www.postonmyforum.com I work for them.. You give them some cash, and they send some of us over to your forum to get ya some activity going.. thats one option
Theres also a google group going here.. they all post on each others forums each week in trade for posts from each other… I belive there is a waiting list for that, but I have heard a few ppl mention starting another group like it, that can handle more posters at one time..
Poker players love to tell stories.. they love to tell about when they won.. won they lost.. and everything in the middle 
(didya see that bad beat story at the WSOP for a buck? HAHAHAH that was funnah stuff .. and pay they did LOL)
Whenever I hear a good poker story.. I tell ’em OMG that is a great story you have GOT TO post that on my forum! 
Post yourself.. sign up under a few usernames if need be..
I know all of that sounds silly, and to be honest, I havent as of yet done any of it myself.. but I do know that it works, I’ve seen it on many sites 
Content is big as well.. and I havent looked at your site yet.. so that is all I have to say about that going to go say hello on your forum right now though
Cathy