There is a definite need to merge the servers. Without it, old servers just die. I suspect they aren't even real servers anyway -- just folders in the cloud. Merging the databases is pretty straight-forward.

For old servers, just announce that all accounts where someone had logged into within 30 days will be transferred to the new server. If 2 cities are at the same location, they get juxtapositioned to an adjacent space.

An interesting idea would be to have a continent open on the new server that is reserved for people meeting certain qualifications (rank, prestige, etc.).

With their current marketing, they are drawing people in but they are losing old players that could be the future mentors to these new players. Without them, you lose a lot. The guide that is being sold isn't really helpful by comparison to a real experienced player. The British/Eonwe/Mojo/Chang type guys from Server 12 are HUGE assets to the game.

If you do, you'll be able to keep them. If you don't - the game will die out and the business model will be reserved to getting 1 or 2 purchases from people drawn in from the ads. Otherwise, you could have a sustained business model akin to WOW or those of that ilk.

Felwred