Of note, the Novice Network is to introduce new players to the game. The hope is that by the time you're 'not a novice', you've learned how to use the many features of the game, like friends lists, Linkshells, Free Companies, etc.

Your friends from the NN will also be leaving the channel soon, if they haven't already, so the best option you have is to make a Linkshell of your own for anyone you loved talking to/hanging out with. Linkshells can have over 150 people, so you can pretty much recreate your Novice Network experience while still keeping the NN itself for new players who need to learn how to play the game.

You could also create a Free Company with your friends if you haven't already joined one you like.

I absolutely understand wanting to keep in touch with people, but the NN was never meant to be permanent and the game gives many other options that are permanent so that you can continue to talk to the people you've grown close to.