From what I have experienced since the split... not a whole lot has changed since we were all Aether. My server has grown and we're a pretty relaxed group I would say. NN isn't necessarily a global chat, we do help new players if they have questions or issues. Contrary to what people say we do have raiding statics and get clears like everyone else. On my server you don't see tons of RP, but it's there if you know where to ask.

The only thing is Mateus sometimes takes raiding/clears super seriously; which many of us find amusing in an odd way. Think of Crystal not necessarily as the RP data center, but the more casual/laid back one.