Realisitic for a New Player?

[Necropolis]

I think there is plenty of life in the game. I started about 10 months ago and have 2 75 and have gotten into some of the meatier aspects of the game. I'm looking forward to playing at least a few more years.

There should be plenty of people willing to help lower levels characters out. Just this past we I've done at least 2 subjob quest, 3 kazham key quest, 1 LB1 and 4 LB2 quest. Plus various "hep me!" quest shouts in Jeuno or Whitegate. People are still treking through Zilart and CoP missions, so you should be able to pick those up as you get higher in level.

It's really kind of random I notice. Some days the dunes is packed, sometime empty. You just have to be patient while you wait for a party (or solo) and find something that keeps you interested in the game while not grinding through the levels. I really burnt myself out leveling in the past few months. Between leveling and finishing ZM and CoP I was almost disgusted with the game. I took a week off from leveling and just did various quest and missions (like raising a chocobo) instead.

[Eiyoko]

There's the good along with the bad in FFXI. It all matters on your viewpoint and goals.