I played AO at release, and experienced the rockiest start in MMO history first hand.
But like a phoenix, it rose from the ashes to be a pretty intense game. I didn't stay too long, other MMOs drug me away. but i did come back in jan/feb of 2004 when I bought shadowlands at best buy for 5 bucks. :P I stayed for the free month and quit. I leveled a keeper up to I tihnk 57, but I can't remember the account name or what server it was on. I made up a free account about two years ago and leveled up a martial artist, I think to late 20's. again forget if it was RK1 or RK2. lol
If enough people are interest, I might come back. I just don't want to be stuck leveling alone. It seems every MMO I'm lpaying lately my friends are no longer playing, and I"m stuck alone. so if there is comradery, I'm there!
Oh, and with the upcoming graphics overhaul in the next year or so, I definately want to give it a go.
-BA