I always play 1st person, and I always get owned.  I tried 3rd on duel server and actually won a couple.  But I can't throw worth shit, which is where I'm most effective, and I can't get used to watching some other toon fight my battles.  I wanna be there, I wanna be me.
Plus it does add a lot more thrills to combat.  In single player I always played 1st person cuz it's so much more immersive.  In cRPG I do too, cuz it's a hell of a lot more thrilling, despite the fact that I almost always lose.  In 1st person you have to visualize where your enemy is, watch what they do and swing or block accordingly.  As a shielder I use a lot of footwork, and you develop a second sense as to your surroundings and as to your enemies position.  I'm sure if people did it on a level playing field they'd love it once they got used to it.  It might stop a few of those people whining that the game has gotten boring compared to when they first played it.  True skill demands 1st person.
If there ever was such a server, for many people it would be like a brand new game.  Every thing they know, every tactic they have would be out the window, and they would have the thrill of trying to master a much more difficult and skill based mode of fighting.
So in summary, nerf 3rd person and buff 1st person.