I played way back when there was just one server. Quit when the idea of a mars server was confirmed. Especialy since one of the suggested mars maps was just a distorted earth map turned red.
Came back a bit later at some point. Quit again with the new client update (after trying it for half an era of course).
Ended up deciding to come back a year ago to collect blue tokens so I could play this year. But I only just remembered about that plan and my almost year old account only has a few hundred blues.
But I am returning to this game with a semi-serious attitude like back in the good old days. Probably going to start with solo earth next era since I don't know anyone anymore.
Some names you are more likely to remember (but probably won't);
Santimasht, Diazepam, YourOnlineHero/OnlineHero, John, and if you're really an ancient cow from realms beyond battledawn, lumpy. I'm sure I was the first person to come up with the idea of "emperor of colony" too. But it's been done probably every single era there has been.
Also, what happened to NEWB alliance? Best. Alliance. Ever.