Retail has literally become something completely different.

If you want to see another instance of how TLEs impact the aion classic kinah game's previous player base, one could also consider Archage's attempts to do so, and now even Aion is trying to bring back those who loved the first version of the game.

It will be fascinating to see the way Classic differs from TLEs in Everquest or the versions of Archage, Aion. However, history has shown that TLEs from EQ2 tend to die out quickly and there's less interest in expansions. This is why Classic is not a game for the most dedicated players.

Also DayBreak, the company in charge of EQ2 isn't concerned about its player base as much as Blizzard does to WoW (aka, micro transactions, P2W mechanics, and so on) And they're using it as a cash cow to keep the game afloat more than it is a method to attract players who are old or attract new players to the game which is currently plagued by issues in live play and plagued by the mechanics and numbers.

No idea what max is but I'm on Siel server on Aion Classic and it's super busy day and evening (I'm NA East). Lots of fun and highly packed with both NA as well as EU players so I say hop on in and join us. :)

After some further research, I wont join, mainly because of the company behind aion. I don't have time to catch up, i'm not an expert, and it's going to be a nightmare trying to win.

The Elyos are also cause of grief for Asmodians living in Heiron. Some even go as far as ganking the people who cultivate Aether over a gate. It isn't a good idea to lose an advantage if it was yours.

Retail has literally become something completely different. Everything you played as a child remains available. I wouldn't suggest it. I've gone over the major variations in my comments history If you're interested in knowing what has changed or happened.

Classic is a good choice, but since there are just two servers they are still balancing out. Siel is higher pop and asmodian heavy. they own the majority of the abyss, which can make it difficult to farm AP sometimes because of it.

Israphel has lower pop heavier on elyos and lower pop, they own approximately 50% of the abyss with the other 50% split between asmo and balaur, therefore, they are a lot more easy to farm AP. NA is my favorite, however I have buy aion classic kinah eu played during EU times. While it can be sometimes quiet I've never had problems finding groups.