Problem(s):

Server locks are causing the "Recruit a Friend" system to repel new players instead of enticing them. The fact that the recruited players only find out about server lock AFTER purchasing the game exacerbates the issue. Instead of starting with a good experience that would cause increased interest, they end up feeling like they have been the victim of a scam. This sours the new player experience before they can even try the game.

Example:

I recently invited two friends to the game. Neither were able to create characters on my server despite staying up past midnight the first night. The second day one of them started around 7 AM PST and despite refreshing continuously throughout the day was not able to create a character until 2:30 AM the next morning. The other has still not been able to create a character after 3 days.