Newbie suggestions

[choc555]

I have known about p99 for a few years and was mildly interested in it. Recently I decided to install it Just for the nostalgia and found myself really excited to play. I haven't played many mmos recently as modern ones feel so lifeless anymore and I can't deal with quest hubs anymore.

My eq knowledge isn't great. I played the game when I was a kid starting in 2000 playing paladin. I always had money problems and only got into raiding after luclin came out. I can only remember certain zones like the Freeport area.

Should I wait for green to come out or just play on blue? Also having trouble deciding a class/race. I certainly don't want pally again. I usually gravitate towards healers and love to help people with buffs and such. However, I will likely play somewhat casually and also maybe at weird hours. I might need to be able to solo and I never played a class that was able to solo at all.

Just looking for any tips or possibly even friends who would like to group up. I will probably play 3 days a week or so, but I won't want to be pressured to level fast.