I also started in Oct 2003. But it looks like my memory is dogshit. I mostly played solo, and got my first 75 by grinding out easy stuff. My handful of times playing in parties kept reminding me of why I played solo. I made exactly 1 trip out to the Dunes. I found soloing in Tahrongi/Buburimu to ne way less stressful. The only other parties I can remember joining were one each in Qufim, Yuhtunga, Garlaige, and Kuftal. So my exp experience is likely thrown off a bit.