I came into the game around the 3.1 release. You were probably here before that, but for me the activity in the open world isn't much different now than when I came into the game. The only real difference being that the notorious monster FATEs like the crab in Costa Del Sol and the Cyclops in Coerthas were still ran back then. Now.... good luck.

At level 52, you are well behind everyone else. I don't mean that in a bad way. What this means is that there is TONS of stuff for you to do! The other good news is that there are plenty who will be willing to help you out. FCs are always recruiting. You only need choose which one fits you best. You won't have trouble running the content required to progress the MSQ either thanks to roulettes, and a steady amount of new/returning/alt leveling players.

Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you want to come back. But I personally would tell you, hell yeah it is! I wouldn't be answering this question if I didn't love this game.