Limit time players can be inactive or "away from keyboard" - help server congestion
This may have been brought up before, but I believe a big reason why the servers are so packed is because (due to the fact it's so difficult to log on in the first place), players play for a couple of hours, then go away from keyboard in a city, sanctuary or in their inn room when they're done so they don't have difficulties logging in the next day. I have been guilty of this as well (no one would admit to wanting to wait 3+ hours to log in again later).
I'm suggesting to put a limit on how long someone can be "inactive" or "away from their keyboard", meaning they haven't moved, accessed any menu's, chatted, or done anything indicating they are still actively involved in the game. Once they reach this time limit, they automatically get logged off and returned to the title menu to log in again. This saves room for other players who do intend to play and allowed for a more balanced server load.
Many other MMO's have implemented this, and having played those other MMO's, it's nothing to be concerned with if you are truly playing. If you need to leave to take care of something real fast, it still shouldn't be a problem. But if you're headed out for a couple of hours, that character shouldn't be allowed to sit idle while other playing who want to play can't log in.
I think a time limit spanning anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes should be enough. It's not a end-all solution to the server congestion, but can help alleviate some of the stress.