The thing Vanilla had was you were locked in a realm, faction, class, and spec. That was you. People learn to know you. You become friends. You build up a name. You know a mage who can come? Sure let me ask my friend, slfnflctd.
And you know what? I didn't even play Vanilla. But I have played a plethora of games where community was important, including SWTOR.
I had a similar feeling in Legion (the cross-realm pulp is terrible but PvP was decent). I was attached to one character, and no more split farm. However the RNG fest of legendaries and the mega grind of AP were not my cup of tea. I kinda liked the relic system and the augmentation aspect of the legendaries.
And you know what? I didn't even play Vanilla. But I have played a plethora of games where community was important, including SWTOR.
I had a similar feeling in Legion (the cross-realm pulp is terrible but PvP was decent). I was attached to one character, and no more split farm. However the RNG fest of legendaries and the mega grind of AP were not my cup of tea. I kinda liked the relic system and the augmentation aspect of the legendaries.
(I quit hardcore raiding end of WoD.)