New Player Saying Hello, with Observations and Questions

[Riotgirl]

Hello! Welcome back!

To answer some of your questions:
1-3: not entirely classic, but minor in the grand scheme of things. In terms of camera, you will need 3rd person for certain squishy classes. By all means, play 1st person for the immersion - but you will be making life difficult for yourself i.e. getting jumped by mobs. If that appeals, more power to you!

6: given the server's age and 4 years in Kunark, things have changed in terms of loot, plat and raids at the end game. That said, there are LOTS of returning players inc myself, and without progression beyond Velious, there is no rush. Lots of us have additional responsibilities, so you'll have plenty of time to smell the roses. It is never going to be a pristine experience like 1999 - but it damn near captures the spirit and gameplay. CR? Oh yeah! Exp loss? Oh yeah! "Loading. Please Wait .." Oh yeah! Punching bats with your bare fists? Oh yeah! Trains? Oh yeah! Player interdependence? Oh yeah! Forum drama? Hell yeah! All your classic, EQ staples are right here.

The community is super friendly to lowbies.

10: like Live, but with 'roids. Casual raiding in Live would be Naggy/Vox PUGs. Raiding in EQ has never been casual - especially if you have an interest in high-level equipment and raid targets. Velious should ameliorate the stagnant scene, but EQ has always been competitive with congested spawns. If it is your goal - like it is mine, albeit Old World raid content - you will need to find a raid capable guild at some stage and/or grab an invite. Just do not expect many, if any, raid PUGs.