I don't understand why everyone is being bitter with OP over this topic. It's a shame to not be able to join established friends and have to make due with them making pity alts just to play together. As a Balmung native I pray people like OP get a chance to come in eventually, not only because not being able to play an MMO with your social group is lame but becuase being a closed server is not without it's consequences.