Was the Pre-Ruusan Republic larger than the Post Ruusan one? 3,000-2,000 B.B.Y

On the Galactic Gov FAQ posted by Charlemagn19 a comment from GrandAdmiralJello got me thinking on the possible size of the Galactic Republic before the New Sith Wars. I had made my theory on what killed the Pre-Ruusan OR and Jello commented on the size of the Republic and the dangers of the frontiers being a key factor in what kept the peoples and governments responsible and wary of complacentcy. The post-Ruusan Republic was much vaster that any other previous incarnation and because of its size it became bloated and with the Ruusan reformations complacency found a perfect place to settle into.

But it got me thinking, was the Pre-Ruusan Republic 3,000-2,000 B.B.Y. really smaller than the galaxy of Luke Skywalkers time? Or is Luke's settled galaxy actual a shell of its former self?

I did some research last night by reading the new essential chronology, and I believe that the answer is yes, here is my theory.

Background History:

4000 yrs B.B.Y.-The Great Sith War led by Ulic and Exar Kun is a short but devestating war that nearly topple the Republic and almost wipes out the Jedi. The damage but sustained in the figting was severe, but the galaxy rebuilt and went forward. One reason that the galaxy recovered so quickly was because this war was very short.

30-40yrs after the Sith War the Mandalorians and Jedi Civil Wars tear the galaxy apart. These wars both lasted much longer than the previous Sith War and as revieled in KOTOR II actually brought the galaxy within months of total collapse if not for the people and the exiles efforts in saving their nation. Still the wars were confined to a space of 2 decades, and the worst galactic crisis' lasted over 100 years and the OR survived and moved on restoring its power and resilliance once again.

3000yrs B.B.Y.- The OR and the Jedi have had 1,000yrs to recover from the Old Sith wars and there have been no serious problems in that period and the discovery of the Hydian Way, a massive hyperspace route that spans nearly the whole galaxy was the only signifigant event mentioned during that time. Exploration of that route led do the discovery of yet another major route (one of the Corellion ones I believe, I cant remember right now), expanding the boundries of civilization beyond what anyone at the time thought was possible. So between 3,900-3,000 B.B.Y the Republic and the Jedi recovered to the level of strength that they enjoyed before the Old Sith Wars and oversee an expansion that exceded any that went before it from 3000-2000 B.B.Y. The OR spread out far beyond the borders of "the Slice" that had marked the frontier for millennia formally establishing the Mid/Outer Rim regions.

During this period the Republic is strong, healthy and has a stable dynamic infrastructure that can support its growing population, so it can afford the expansion while new mines, worlds and discovered races more than pay-off whatever costs the exploration and settlement of these regions require.

Theory:
This history leads me to believe that the Pre-Ruusan OR was in fact as large, if not larger than the Post-Ruusan OR. They have everything that they need for it to work:

1: A dynamic and effective government that works for its people, not for itself.
2: A strong, large Jedi order to help keep the peace and maintain justice throughout the galaxy.
3: A large, well trained, highly motivated military and with the Jedi protects the OR.
4: The Republic citizens themselves: who in this time have more foresight and responsibility than their descendents would.
5: The Holo-Net that in this period was welcome for all to use, not just the government and military.
6: The New Hyperspace Routes
7: An infrastructure and economy that can more than handle the expansion

[In HK-47 voice ]Query: Now if the OR then was larger than the settled galaxy now, how did it suffer such a huge loss of territory?
Answer: The Sith and the New Sith Wars

As we all know 2,000 years B.B.Y. another group of Sith arose and triggered the longest series of conflicts in galactic histor

 

The Old Republic was in constant flux, especially prior to Ruusan.

Is it possible that the Old Republic was larger in the 3000 bby period then the Ruusan-film period? certain...but I would argue only in terms of "worlds" on a map...actual governance of such space seems to only come about towards the end of the Republic and into the Empire.

Why does it matter?