Hey guys. I haven't played FFXI on my main account in almost 3 years now. I'm thinking about returning back and playing again but im unsure.... I'm really interested in FFXIV 2.0 but I can't wait any longer and im growing impatient lol I keep thinking about all the good times I had in FFXI. I have a few questions though...

What changes have been made? If a new character is made will that person be able to actually level and find groups to level? Has leveling changed in anyway? Is the game actually solo-able now? How easy is it now for a new person to start playing? My main character is on phoenix, is that a decent server to be on when population is concerned? Are there link shells still active doing content?

Due to this games age I'm actually rather concerned and some what worried that It's almost some sort of wasteland now. I haven't kept up to date on anything. Can someone just answer some if not all of my questions and fill me in on some of the changes? (My main was a BLU/NIN just fyi throwing it out there)