I have not played since probably late 2004....so..Follow

I can only tell you what I've experienced for the past week or so since I've started playing again, also after a break since late 2004.

Worth it? I am still not sure. I've only signed up for a one month subscription to see how I like it.

Server pops seem to be way down. A lot of servers have been combined from what I can tell.

No ideas on raiding or necros, sorry.

Major changes? Again I can only tell you what I've noticed. There's a new task tracking system that doesn't seem to work with old questlines as far as I can tell - however you do get a new NPC conversation list of EVERY npc (including mobs) you "talk" to that you can go through to FIND your "quests". Maps still SUCK (one of my biggest beefs). Lots of new areas with new things to do or ways to do things. Spell researching seems to have changed dramatically. Levelling seems easier (my top toon is a 65 chanter). They added bank slots (yay!) Graphics have been improved in general for toons and npcs/mobs. I'm not getting any problems with lag. Hummmm ....

Not sure about the all classes are similar bit...again I haven't been poking around much.

Not sure if this helps but wanted to let you know you aren't alone in trying it out again :)

I have been back for a little over a month after being gone for about 4 years.

New zones, big learning curve again for me right now.

There was a poll and the winner was a new progression server. Dont know when but will either start a new one on it or do that and bring over my pally too so can get into higher areas.

Raids are still the same. Most are raiding guilds, I havent really seen any LFG for people for a raid while ingame but that isnt saying there are pugs for raids.

I have a lot of new zones yet to explore and a ton of questing to do solo and groups.

Also, hot zones.

I still play Wow a bit, but am glad I chose to come back.

Todays casual pace game is a lot faster than back in 04 if you are using the mercs and defiant armor. The friendly casual grouping has declined a lot since 04. People don't seem to help each other as you use to see. Toons can go LFG for hours (pally, SK, enchanters) as for no need to add another to eat up their xp. I believe mercs were added for that reason. The only negative is mercs are too good. Most all casual content is trivial with the merc and defiant gear.

For certain rewards (Claimable items):
/claim
or EQ Button - Claims

Then there is also a message for Veteran Rewards when you log in, if that account has some available, and not been claimed on that toon. /veteranreward is the command, if I recall correctly ... the message tells you the command, I think also.

Other rewards, you don't get messages for, that you may not know about, for future reference, are Quest rewards, which are EQ button - Quests - Rewards.

Yther Ore.

Is it worth it to come back?

yes, it comparison from the game 5 years ago... recent changes made even the casual soloers more fun and easy to play around even at the high lvl stages

How are the server populations doing?

as usual Declining... hahaha... well in my view its fine by me i can go to almost any quest that i can solo without waiting for any repawn or for looking for nice hunting grounds for me and my friends if they are on

Do people raid anymore?

yes... alot of folks still doing hardcore raiding and mid level raids... pick up raids have been increasing lately in my server (Quellious) maybe because alot of folks able to catch up with the right lvl and gear that can withstand raid mobs.

How are Necros now?

i played SK (so almost like necro) but i think our classes are great with the new merc system... its the easiest to solo (i used a cleric type) most necros i know uses a warior type for extra dps (serious agro needed for that) but with a cleric type also your definitely gonna stay alive longer hehehe

Any Major changes I should know about?

Mercs !!! best addition in all in my opinion

I've heard from a few sources that 'all classes are similar' now... whats that about?

similar in a way that we dont have to rely so much on others to lvl. i am not sure what similarities you referring to. but maybe the way we hunt recently has been drastically changed by the new merc system.