I recently returned after a looong haitus (played from when Renaissance was released to the week of the release of Samurai Empires) then spent my time in EQ, then EQ2 and on to WoW.
It was with WoW and the fishing there that got me reminescing and thinking about returning to UO...and the LA server in particular, since the community was so friendly and united back in the day.
Yes, sadly, it was shocking to return to LA after all this time with my time capsuled memories and seeing it the way it is now....but at the same time, and as someone in this forum mentioned, it's not all tragedy.
Back in the day it was impossible to find a housing spot, and even when I could get one I had to buy it off of another player and it was a simple cottage. One that I practically lived my entire UO life in, because there simply was not any other space available.
Little to say, that is no longer a problem. Another thing is that it is also a lot easier now to actually make a name for yourself or your store, if you enjoy the mechant/crafter experience. The competition isn't nearly as overwhelming or fierce, with plenty of wiggle room now to mark your spot, make your claim, and make a name for yourself.
Sure I miss the "good ol' days" but a lot of it wasn't so good or golden to new players in a crowded game with long established competitors. Now it's an open playing field now.
So the way I look at it now, remember the olden days, honor the memories of those who are no longer with us, and reforge the destiny you imagined in yourself. The potential now is near limitless, yet with enough of the old veterans around to keep up the reputation of LA being a very player friendly shard.