I miss some aspects of the old CRPG, but I really enjoy the upkeep, sexier new website, and the slot system. I liked the difficulty in making money and buying needed equipment in classic CRPG. What I wish for is a lengthening of needed time/effort put in to earn top-tier gear, bonuses for killing enemy players (or being nearby when it happens, because more than likely you helped if you're nearby), increased difficulty to ride horses, and more incentive to play as infantry.
I agree about the change of attitude, but the overall tone of many players since I started playing are abysmally negative. Now I feel the playerbase is a bit more serious, with less tolerance for dicking around. I like that.
I think I began playing CRPG in 2009, or maybe early to mid 2010. I was unable to play for a year, beginning late 2010, so when I returned I experienced all of the changes at once.