2) Been more populated but it's not too bad, bring friends and help out with that.
3) Yes, not as much as there once was perhaps. (related to 2)
4) 250 (though the game is classless and there's many branches so thousands of levels really) Speed depends on how much free time you've got. 24/7 = Days/Weeks, Casual = Months, Low activity = years.
5) For new players who like sci-fi/fantasy sandboxness, yes.
