Depends on when and how you played previously. I played Pac and LA as a merchant (shop owner, IDOC hunter, PvM, Solo play) and from 2003 to 2009, and off and on, i played spring of 2022.
I don't like the direction of the game, and a huge sign it wasn't worth it ( For Me ) was the gargoyles and when Assia Penryn, MEC and FL quit or left or died off...
Most shards are empty, except Atl. IDOC are useless IMO and anything good disappears now.
Vet rewards are still a thing, but like someone mentioned its only good for xfer shields.
Theres still PVP, and there are more group activities available, new lands, elves, gargoyles, new house tiles, more storage, gold is a number in our banks now.
Many vets like the current situation, and of course I get nostalgic for it, but its not the same.
Read through the UO.com site for info and like someone mentioned look for discord servers for activities.