Pservers doesn't work like that, old school server are always got problem on lack of players(max 50,if the server is really really good...) but sadly developers are still thinking like you and hosting servers with pt oriented gameplay, while players are soling beacause can't find any dp or even duo on his range.Evryone who interested on this servers are starting on 1st day, after one/two weeks there is a huge issues on no new players.
Cash shop is always critic point of servers, most of time i have no problem with it if we can get it from other players in the game or any other way(not only with pay).
I really would like this rebirth system, it would be huge help for new players and for bored 150+ as well.
I like old school servers but they always fallen after 1/2 months because they don't have any end game contect like the new 9.1/9.4 . That is why most of server are 9.x and since lot of server are closing after some weeks/months, hight rate are prefered by players.
Atm ther is 2 old school server if you want to play.
Zesua 5.2: sadly this server is way too old without any update (max 10 online)
Shiva 7.x: relative new, but also some where around 10-20 player (backward team don't care on players feed back, well half of the server are already did leave...)
And Xijezu is working on 4.x project, sadly i think project is paused again.Anyway i waiting it with hight hope