When I started in 2004, this game was very different and such a new experience, my first MMO, these are things i miss from those first few years. I miss the Devianne server, where i started.
I miss all the classic clans and pvp before it was p2w, when things were slightly more equal among players, pvp was fun and somewhat fair depending on gear levels of course. Also miss when you had to pay to play the game, this eliminated a lot of young players from the game, therefore making the overall age of players 18+ and slightly more mature or at minimum made sure those that did play on mommy and daddy credit cards were somewhat respectful, somewhat.
After coming back to game after a year off, I recently learned the grade penalty is gone, I miss that. I feel players now being able to log in and just p2w top gears or even just being able to earn R grade level gear is ridiculous. It should be a challenge, an accomplishment, I remember the pride of making 40 for c grade, 52 for b grade, etc; and finally being able to craft that item and wear it.
I miss random parties, logging out in certain areas, logging back in and just shouting LFG, and being a tank for the entire day for basically the same party. Or just creating a random group, having warring clan member call a truce to party together, then breaking the party and watching them go back to pvp again, just made the game more fun.
I miss random raid boss parties with my mage and/or tank, watching her level up from just one boss, then on to the next and repeat.
Truly miss catacombs xping and pvp for rooms, I miss castle sieges that aren't one sided, where even a small clan or alliance has a chance.
I miss original TOI hunting, tanking levels 9+, Cruma CPs that last hours, ditto for catacomb parties and parties at IT.
Most of all, I miss questing with friends and clannies you have known for years, i miss hopping on vent and chatting friends worldwide.
That's a small list of some of the things I miss from the "good ole days" of Lineage 2.