The low population is a problem but it can also be nice having all the spawns you want. This can be fixed by joining the server with a couple friends. There have actually been several newbie guilds starting up lately as well.
The game is much more competitive which does bring out the crazies. That is unfortunate but it comes with the territory. The server is also much harsher due to PvP exp penalty on death, but it has been made clear that this this is changing, hopefully soon. I think the penalties from death piss people off a lot and brings on some hate.
There is also an exp bonus on the server that tries to help with the low amount of groups. It is currently scaled from 1-50 plus an all around 25% bonus from 1-60... there is some hope that this might go back up to 75% bonus.
Everything means more on red, death and accomplishments. Everything is yours for the taking.
One of the things that makes Everquest great for me is that you have the freedom to do whatever you want. I don't get that freedom on blue and restrictions take the power away from the player. On Red you get to choose who you associate with, who are your enemies, and what your reputation will be. I'm sure reputation means something on blue but not to the same degree.
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