Well, i can agree with you, the old Dex server was the best in the world, epic server, free, no donations, long term...but cannot happen anymore. Owners have to pay for many things so now l2 is not anymore hobby now is like a job.
This ToD change a lot..in-game..before for money you had just to buy cosmetics(hats mask etc) now with ToD they buying epic oe weapons etc...making big difference between regular player (old school) and new with credit cards...