Returning to Maple World after a long hiatus!

[lorddonk]

So I'm going back to Maple World after a LONG hiatus (more than 2 maybe 3 years. The last time I played was when Pirates had just come out. Everything has changed SO much its a bit unsettling.

My basic question is, I'm thinking I have to start a new character, and I'm wondering what channel would be the best? The game recommends "El Nindo" or something like that. I'd like one thats populated, moreso than mardia (unless its better now). Because The last time I logged in it was barren even on channel 1.

More detail (for those who are interested):
I had a level 74 Ice/Lightning Mage on Mardia world, but coming back now I have no friends on my list, all of my NX expired, I have tons of skills gone and new skills replaced them with 0 SP on them (they didn't even refund me old SP!). Plus, I don't even know where to put SP with the new skills if they had refunded my SP. I'm not sure what quests I was doing, and when I logged in I had about 30 items expired (not to mention being insta-killed by about a billion monsters that had been summoned into Mardia Channel 1) (I see the hackers are back!).

I'm thinking its best to start fresh because then I will be introduced to all the new stuff like part time jobs, crafting and mining and whatnot.

Plus, they've got a level up guide now, suggested quests, etc. And, I've heard that I can probably get back to my main character level in half the time because they redid the leveling system (yes I haven't played in a LONG time) and its easier to level now? Is that really true?

Thanks for any replies,
this lifetime mapler really appreciates it!