I tried red based on OP's recommendation and user story. Thanks OP!

Most people cant handle being griefed as if having a higher population would change that fact

Server population is horrible

I have never liked the tacked on PvP to what essentially is a PvE game. If I wanted to play PvP, I'd play a different game.

That simple really.

Nope

I had never given red a shot, nor did I have any plans to, before my brother and a couple other RL friends that I often play with moved over there with TMO. I didn't think I would like it, and expected the move to red would kick off another EQ vacation for me when I realized how much I hated it. It's actually been a fun experience, though. Sure, there are the borderline insane griefers and shit talkers, but those are on blue as well, and if you have a fairly thick skin and your immersion levels aren't off the charts, it's not hard to shrug them off. Even the mundane things like trading with other players becomes exciting on red, knowing that pvp can go down at any time. Spells and items you wouldn't normally use become useful, and making friends and grouping becomes more valuable. There is a newbie friendly guild called Thunderdome that takes players of all levels and provides plenty of people to group with, ports, binds and even some starter gear. Give it a shot. You may like it.

I was thinking of starting on Red for Velious. Are there any guilds that recruit noobs?

People are far more welcoming in groups. The group bonus is its own reward of course but it's a good time for everyone regardless of class.

If you want to make a class that you don't think groups well on blue, do it on red. You're much more likely to get in for the sake of filling slots. My red wizard gets plenty of group action, and got my first season two kill :)

Tiewon -

I love grouping on Red, the thrill of 'will they turn on me' made me a paranoid mess sure, but it keeps me on my toes & focused.
None of this "/afk....be back in a minute" every half hour.