First of all,i would like to tell you i did read until the half of it,i guess it doesn't say something we already don't know
The topic title isn't refereed to what really happens
Let me tell you,that people playing this kind of servers you create every day,are around 1500
How do they work:
You should now,that these people go around from server to server.
The fact that there are many servers like what u created,makes this situations
First of all,from these 800 ppl online,~400 are members of core clans,and some other randoms + random clans
There are like 5-6 clans going around in servers.With standard people,every time
There is always this 'war'.Since they are not random clan,they are not gonna invite anyone(keep if to get what i will say below)
In a Interlude Mid rate,especially of this kind,what matters in mass pvps,is mostly Quantity > Quality
Since they can't win a battle,they will quit,since they won't invite anyone else(random) or make an ally.
They prefer to go in another SAME type server,hoping that there,they will have chance to pwn someone else,as they are
If the 2-3 core clans leave,there will be no battles.And ,end of server is near.Most ppl leave,randoms get boredcause of the few features in a IL server,and the few items that can change the result of a pvp
I won't even analyze this shit of ddosing,or war between these servers.To make these core clans leave the server
For me,the reason that ur server failed,and any other mid rate IL,is the COMMUNITY and not you
Your only fault is choosing to make a server like this.
Nowadays,it's not like all days,you can find ~10 same servers of every type,so ppl won't try more to become good somewhere,and will just emoquit to another,hoping they will be better there
For sure,giving items back,is not a solution
and yes,moving into a Freya isn't a solution too
Try to make something unique,that can keep randoms + core clans active for long
Something where quality can win quantity
Something that Gameplay can win Gear
It's up to you,finding solutions
I bet you know the situation,and how things going,better than me