FFXI is the most atmospheric, well-written, and unique computer-game of all time.

[Dragoy]

Then come 2012 significantly more players at level 99 and very few at level 1.

Twas also the time when Abyssea leveling up in big parties was a mighty big thing, which you mentioned you didn't have (I never liked or did it but a couple of times with linkshells; I got my first level 99 in Campaign Battle (same as with level 75), though of course there were a bunch of levels betwixt from actual "old-school" parties, and I've played since 2005, at 1399 days playtime on my oldest character at this moment (without bazaaring stuff or AFK online all the time)).