Starting Out: Suggestions?

[Nottan]

So I have a 30mage from about a year ago I was using to progress on this server but ended up quitting due to college and such. Looking to come back and start fresh. I do have about 350-400plat to help the new character out a bit.

Anyone have any suggestions for breaking into P99? I heard that pet classes leveling were nerfed significantly with their must deal 50% of dmg to a monster to get full xp. Was thinking of starting a Monk or Warrior (my two fav classes) but wondering if there are enough players still leveling or any leveling guilds in order to get through the content, or are most players maxed and lower areas ghostyards?