So, they reverted AoS did they? Factions are balanced and interesting? And if you point out that I moved to a game developed by the guy who was behind AoS, I will find out where you live...
Also, from a min/maxer point of view it's irritating thinking of the tangible bonuses I will lose out on because my account hasn't been open nonstop, even though it's a really old account.
I've known you since we were 5 years old? No need to track me down if you and Lisa ever need a vacation you've got a free place to stay.
Revert AoS? They won't even make a seperate shard with Pre-AoS item properties so fat chance. I debated it to the death in UHall and sent several PM's to the current Producer, it's never happening unfortunately.
Factions weren't interesting ever since Fuddrucker quit. Remember him? He was probably the only good faction leader Catskills has ever had. Unless they completely revamp them or go back to order/chaos they will just be a waste of time.
Believe me, I'm with you on all of those things, this game isn't as fun as it used to be. However, PvP is still fun when you can find a fight with someone who isn't using illegal programs. As far as shards go Cats probably has a lot less cheating than some of the bigger shards. Chesapeake has been a nightmare (on that end, but good on many other things). But hey, do what Norrin did, sign up for a trial and come see things for yourself. If Norrin were to come back and Wonderbrick we might have a good time for a few months (me and Wiz are already back, for now).
As far as your account, you'd have max benefits minus vet rewards, which are mostly more ethy mounts, housing items, and dye tubs, nothing game changing. Your skill cap would be 720 (which is the max) and your stat cap would get an extra +5 (which goes to +30 after eating a +25 stats scroll).
The biggest disadvantage would be all the new equipment items you would need to collect since we left 7-8 years ago. AoS was just the start, every new expansion has included new items and item properties (which are still being added to the game as recently as last month) that can only be had through fighting ridiculously boring boss monsters or spending large amounts of gold. But hey, that's not much different from what you're doing on WoW, now is it?
Anyways, shoot me a forum PM or ICQ if you ever decide to do a trial. I'm not in game much lately because of IRL responsibilties but should have some more free time in 2-3 weeks.
. I got kind of bummed after my keep glitched out and decayed and stopped trying.