Greetings All - Returning Vet

[Pigskin]

Greetings folks,

Returning Aussie Vet thought I would drop by, say g'day and post some random thoughts. I'm currently waiting for the postman to deliver Titanium [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] and should be in game within a day or two. Brand new, fresh and excited all over again.

I'm a middle aged father of 2 looking to relive some of the old EQ days. I have enough time on my hands, but am timezone challenged.

I'm really frustrated by todays games and can't seem to get seriously into any of them. A month or two here or there seems to be enough for most of them, then I just start dreaming of the old days again and EQ. I think I'm done with TESO already.

I've played EQ for many years on and off. Started on Luclin server, moved to Stormhammer ? (was that Legends ?), had a bit of a go on Fippy for some months a few years back before being disillusioned by 6 boxers perma camping the best items and mobs, and spent a lot of time on Test.

90 Mage/Shaman combo on test were probly my highest, think I had an SK to about 80 there also. Mage was my original main. Have played "some" Druid/Cleric/Enchanter/Ranger over the years to varying levels.

If I may, I'll ask a few questions and any advice would be much appreciated.

1. How is the population on the server from say 4am ET to 10am ET ?
2. Are there many Aussie/Oceanic/Asian guilds ?
3. I have read through some of the guild recruitment messages regarding what classes are needed etc and not much seems to have changed in a lot of ways. Would anybody like to give us a guide on how each class is percieved in the old world on this server ? I would like to play something different but I want to be able to group also if possible clearly. I'd like feedback on all classes if anybody would like to go to the effort, but feedback on Ranger is definitely needed.
One thread I read there were some comments regarding wizards not being wanted ... and I don't understand this unless they are underpowered in the old world. Whereas the same thread said rogues were still popular.
4. I understand the server has been on Kunark for 4 years. Any timeframe on Velious opening ? Is there ever likely to be expansions beyond that ?
5. Tell me the perfect group for experience ? Forget who the person is behind the keyboard. Please don't say Warrior, Cleric, Enchanter and 3 Rogues.
6. Tradeskills - are all at saturation point ? Is there high demand for raw mats ?

I think that is all I'm curious about right now. Perhaps I'll come up with more questions later. Looking forward to it.

Cheers