Marroman
Personally, I think this may be for the better of the game.
I am myself a new player and I have tried a Ryzom a few times, but each time got bored because playing by myself, no excitement to talk with other fellow players and so forth.
MMOs are meant to be played with people, not alone.
So, I am think this decision may be a benefit for the game. Even if some veteran players leave, I think the majority of the current community will stick and new players will join as well.
As a matter of fact, I am going to redownload and reinstall the game as we speak
Yep plenty of players to team with, your region chat will look just like this:
¿Buscas equipo, necesita nivel 30 curandero
Je suis là pour l'équipe, ont besoin d'une mêlée près de 28
Elementar 33 muss Nahkampf und heilen
Можно сделать наступательной или оборонительной магией на уровне 29 или ближнем бою на 32 нужна команда
You: need a team, around level 30
Good luck.