Well lately im facing against this question too many times. So i thought it might be a good idea to mention about myself a bit.
John Avery, Charles Vane, Haron, even admin Captain Jack said same thing. Are you really a newcomer? or old player who returned again.
Im 30 year old married and have a son. playing games more than 10 years.
Due to one piece anime(piracy) and pirates of caribbean i really like the pirate stuffs. when i saw this game and get familiar to game thanks to Lodswe Black Sparrow Captain Dungeness and other helpers. i really liked it not only mechanics but also community was really one of a kind. I know im saying this words lots of times but its because i really impressed.
For a long time i was looking a nice piracy game and than i found this game(normally playing another one but had some problem on that and searched for new one which i found PG) because im alone at home i played 17-18 hours a day. and most of the time i spent reading guides topics and following statistics etc. I love to play games but making research on my games to improve my performance that parts even more exciting for me.
It really makes me happy to think that I am a returning player. I wish to see this game before and started before. But sadly no im just a newcomer who really impressed from game and community. Thats all.
This game not an ordinary one for sure. you cant play dumbly to become successful you should use your brain. make strategy use different tactics manage politics those aspects effected me most. But community as a said before one of a kind.
I know i cant convince you with my words. But you will understand better in time.(and you can ask Lodswe, Black Sparrow and Captain Dungeness about me they will convince you more than me because they saw my noobish actions closely:))
Sincerely Mugiwara...