With the game at a long time lull, players leaving, or just generally getting bored as there isn't much left to achieve. New players i'm sure find it challenging or daunting to compete with the many years behind each of us here and perhaps dont even bother sticking it out. (Im sure not the only reason but it must be considered.)
I have been trying to come up with ways to make it more entertaining, enjoyable, engaging etc. Features is one way yes, but we all know that takes time both hashing is out on the forums and coding / testing. Perhaps it can be much simpler. It has been discussed in the past, briefly to my knowledge, and maybe it's time to consider the idea of a second server.
It could mirror this one so shouldn't be too difficult to make happen. A new beginning where everyone works and races to climb ladders, hit achievements and picks their path. There really is quite a bit to do here and starting fresh means you cant do it all at the same time. Players would need to rely on each other for different needs, whether materials, workers, Voodoo support (no more overloaded chests, mine included), Pirate hunters and navy to keep the pesky pirates away from your guildmates and citizens. Bankers and goldsmiths needed as not everyone will have their own or be able to afford to do it all for some time. Pick a niche fall in and supply the player base, no monopolies or self reliance.
Leave the current game server as an Eternal one for those interested in keeping what they've worked hard for (you could play on both servers), and create a new one. Whether it be timed as a round based server like the originally thought for PG or let it ride eternal as well and see how long it takes to max out as this one.
Im curious what everyone else thinks of the idea and if they would migrate to a new server?