Welcome back!

There are cool new things - character challenge. Read on official forum, and get into the next, for sure it's going to be a best experience in CF ever possible. Rahsael is great writer, and his characters and plots are something one should never miss.

About leveling, it's easier because there are constant XP bonuses. And there are less players on midranks = less PK and interruptions. So, for me it's waaaay easier to hero now, even solo. Mercenaries are also giving you XP bonus (of they have * when you type "group" command).

Some players are still assholes, but 99% of the playerbase is much older and smarter now. Of course Beront is the same moron as he always been, but treat him as a local clown and you'll be fine )