Why do you raid?

[Orotiagito]

I've been casually reading threads about the current endgame conundrum about raiding etc. Honestly, I have no idea why people put countless hours into raiding, I mean, I guess that's the point of reaching max level, but what are the main benefits of raiding?

Now I guess that's my overall point, why do you raid? Is it because of some unfinished business you never achieved years ago? Or maybe, is it the fact that uber gear is very satisfying? You have to understand, I started EQ back in 2003 and my max character level was a level 44 human paladin - walking around on my white horse casting dmg vs undead spells, believing I was the fist of justice and light. I was 13 years old, mind you.

Anyway, does the gear make your character that much better? The only benefit I could see of this is being able to solo more effectively, depending on your class. I guess I have to have a real reason to play endgame content that zealously. I mean I've never really experienced a real raid boss fight in EQ, but from the threads ive read it seems more stress than pleasures - which doesn't turn me away from it - nearly everything in life and in hardcore gaming comes at great sacrifice.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, after you've achieved best in slot gear? What then?