EQ is a slower paced game. If you're looking for flashy twitchier combat this probably isn't the game for you. The downtime and difficulty was not uncommon when EQ1 first came out so I'm not really sure what your reference point was unless you just didn't play mmos. The way to limit downtime is get in a well balanced group, soloing was supposed to be a byproduct of this game but was developed with grouping in mind.
I would say play a necro (though I'm not sure you're interested in dealing with the baggage that comes with being hated in most cities) as this is a class where you can solo with not a ton of downtime the earliest. (Others get there but that's after 100s of hours leveling and farming gear).
The games not for everyone if you need your quicker dopamine hits with less risk vs reward most mmos from 2004 on should game you that but that's not what EQ1 in this era is
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