I started playing in December of 2001. Somewhere around GoD, my entire guild went to WoW and I hung up my spurs so to speak. About 6 years after that I came back and have played fairly regularly with a few months off here and there.
With the advent of the new progression server, and the memories it should bring to you folks who will play there, I have to say that the original EQ players must have been special indeed. No ZAM to tell you what to do. Zones that nobody knew. Quest details that must have needed a clairvoyant to solve. And it goes on and on.
I have recently been "epicing" up my chars and it is mind boggling to think of those first epic souls that worked through the steps and clues. A very special breed they were. Good on all of you original players!!! We current players owe you a debt of gratitude for your perseverance!