This ruleset was replaced bc it was loved by the minority...While the majority of gamers became interested in trammel, expanded crafts, skills, housing, etc.
So the people who "win UOSA" are, by definition..., a bit, stubborn... (this coming from a guy who donates monthly for a game he doesnt play anymore..)
The thing is, this is the game and ruleset you chose to be a part of. If its not for you, its simply not for you.
I too was around "back in the day" on OSI... and one thing i've learned from being on this shard is many people who used to "win OSI" end up "losing UOSA" and dont really like that feeling. People won OSI by pounding on newbs... just like they do here. People won OSI by duping, here it is "razoring" and afk'ing, along with previous exploitation of economy (which is no different than OSI...)
I agree the lack of community at times is discouraging, but there are many people who do nothing more than help others on this shard as well. They dont typically look to help people in threads like this though!

Good luck man, regardless of if you stay or go.
-Hoots