Angelox, I agree with you on most things you just said. Bravo, and well stated, as usual. However, the problem I see with Emulators is population. If your server is "exactly like live" (or like live was back in the golden era of EQ), that means pretty slow progression - even WITH full groups/guilds of people. Anyone who used to play EQ has already played to level 50+ the slow way. Most want to stampede at 10x level bonus and get to "the good stuff" that they have missed since quitting. And, since most of that content is still missing or un-tuned, they play, kick a gods ass once or twice, get bored, and quit. I had the same experience as you, GM'd all my buddies who #level 255'd themselves and killed the entire world.
and they are now gone. But, the world is there for them as-is should they get the desire.
I'd love to run a public server, one that's finely tuned. Hell, I'd love to offer mine now as-is, because I too am still amazed that this works! But, I do not have the time to be a GM, or programmer, or manage the data. My job is very busy, and my home life away from the computer is as well. So it's not all about people not caring or not wanting to contribute. Believe me, if I had the time, I'd be in there with you tweaking and doing all I could. I feel like a sponge sometimes, but that's my life ~grin~. Maybe someday...
All in all, good points from everyone. Oh, and my original thought about excessive loots dropping. If you are the only player in 10 zones on a given day, you will grow tired of never accomplishing anything, and leave that server for one that offers faster XP and more loot at young ages. That's my opinion, anyway.
(are we still on topic? hehe!) Good discussion though. As for PEQ site, I get responses there. Maybe it was an off week?