Yeah carby wasn't mentioned. I'm debating on coming back, but would obviously be really deterred logging in and seeing no one.
Is it even worth considering a server transfer?
$18 per transfer & the wait time in-between is only 3 days.
I came back in January 2013, rolled a brand new character and haven't regretted it. I only knew 2 ppl on my server, but making new friends is quick and easy. This time around, you won't make the same mistakes you did your first time. Depending on when you last played, you should probably read these pages:
http://www.bg-wiki.com/bg/Returning_to_Vana%27diel
http://www.bg-wiki.com/bg/FFXI_Version_Update_History
Level up a few jobs, max their skills, begin to gear yourself with at least 109 ilevel gear to start. Then, find yourself a nice little linkshell that may or may not do endgame stuff and you'll be happy.