I know everyone loves their own server best, but Opinions are appreciated.
looking for:
Community
Server Pop
Economy not blown to hell
better balance of PvP clans. (ie. one clan doesn't control the whole dang server)
Well, just take your pick then.
The economy is very very hard by default so don't sweat that. Also, since it is a player run economy, it can change at any time. How can you make a decision based upon something as mercurial as a player run economy?
As far as community. Just vistit the server forums and check out what is being discussed. You might also want to go to http://www.l2guru.com/forum/ and check out those forums as some servers have players that prefer to use them instead.
You will have to see what each says about the "powerhouses" that rule each server. Welcome too the game.
Firstly, welcome to the game! I hope it works out to be what you'd like it to be!
Secondly... Every server has an alliance that contrils everything (or nearly everything). They're what are lovingly called "bott-friendly" or "bott-alliances". No way around them, so be prepared for them. Now, about the economy, its all shot to hell, in all servers with NO exceptions... The economy is completely bot-driven again with NO exceptions, so be prepared for that too...
Apart from these sad facts (and many other as well) this game is great! Welcome and have fun! :)
No, several servers are embroiled in constant warfare between 2 or 3 super powers. Lionna currently has two big sides constantly at war and it makes it fun. As for the economy, yeah it takes work to get good equipment but that's all. Most people are too lazy to actually work for things and expect everything to just be given to them (like in DAoC or WoW how i hate it so).
I just rerolled to kain, and so far I've ran into some really nice people.
I've made friends with two people already, and thats just for playing for a few hours.
Since I just started there I can't say much, I've seen quite a few on TI, and saw some that where PKing and some that where PvPing and pking the PK's.(even chanceing that guy around for a while)
ERICA on the other hand, has a lot of High lvl players,and is controled by mostly 1 ally, and there is 2 allys that are the supper houses. but there is 2-3 other allys that are some what big. (personally, I say stay away from this server)
The prices of stuff is turmendous, A/g market is controled by bots, and geting things like S/g you need to be a really good Ally. but S/g is a long ways away for you.
Since you just started, if you find you love this game, get a secound acc and make a healer/buffer for your self.
There is not alot of people that play them and you'll find that someone would be most happy to party one. and you will need the buffs as you get higher.
All servers are pretty much the same really. But if you are looking for community it seems Hindemith is one of the best. Hindemith is one of the few servers who can remain civil enough to keep posting on the l2.com forums. Most other servers seem to have moved to other fansites where the admins are not very strict. Economy being blown to hell depends on if the server runs a decent manor. Hindemith for one has never had really bad material prices like other servers have. On all servers though you'll find Top A helmets and some popular S grade weapons way overpriced as well as Enchant Weapon A and S.
Most servers seem to have the same population. Although the highest server populations come from Bartz and Teon. Bartz being Server #1. When you load up the game why start anywhere but server #1 right? A lot of people have that view. No server is deserted. Teon is popular because it has earlier siege times better for European players. You won't be disappointed however by the population per server no matter which you choose. However higher population doesn't always mean it's good. It will mean more cramped hunting areas, less Raid Bosses, less significance of importance to the server etc.
Good luck to wherever you choose. Also hating WoW is a good start!