I think JohnPublic makes a great point - the server is already a success. Arguably, it's been the most popular EQ emu server going (based on unique characters accessing the server).
If the challenges of original Everquest forced interaction and grouping, this server will do the same thing even moreso.
Point of fact - I've been playing a Paladin since the server came out of beta, and it's been a hell of a struggle just getting to level 11, since I mostly solo due to limited playtime. But the struggle has been a great deal of fun as well, as it's challenged my playing ability - I can't just mash keys in combat or run wherever the hell I want. And I know I can't just head down to the bottom of Blackburrow and expect to have someone come pull my corpse out. I've gathered and turned in so many gnoll fangs, I can't run through Qeynos anymore without looking for the corrupt Qeynos guards, making bank runs a bit scarier. My actions have a direct effect on my character's existence within Norrath - both good and bad.
So I know that if I do get stuck in a bad situation - I'd better have a pretty deep friends list to call on. And that's why, even though I can't group much, I try to help my fellow players as often as possible. I buff the newbies, I've given away about a half dozen decent weapons I couldn't equip but acquired questing, and I've helped on a few corpse runs. So when the time comes, I'll hopefully be able to get the help I need. My guess is that many other players are doing the same thing.
IMO that's how this server will survive over the long haul.
Is the game hard right now for a melee? Hell yes it is - for this Paladin anyways. But I'm having a great time figuring out how to stay alive and maybe gathering a little experience while I do. And that's more than I've gotten from any other EQ Emu server (or even Live over the last 5 years or so for that matter).
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