Explain to me Velious

[Kurtanius21]

I am nearly level 57 on my cleric. I have never had a level 60 in Everquest, ever, so endgame content is not my expertise. I have asked groupmates what are good zones for leveling. Usually I get Karnor's, Sebilis, Burning wood, and Hole. Why is Velious so ignored? I have not been there at all on P1999, and back on Live, I went there only once to Crystal Caverns.

What use is Velious?

Why don't many people seem to go there?

Was it like this on Live?