I was very reluctant about starting on this server, but in the end i'm really happy I joined. When I asked what to expect from here, people were honest enough to share the hard truth.
I took a shot and i'm having loads of fun playing, ye it's a hard experience, but that's what Real L2 is about isn't it? If you're looking for something easy on a L2 Classic low rate server you probably have no idea what Lineage 2 really is.
I've met a lot of people so far, also convinced some friends to join. I joined a small clan with max lvl 40, and about 15-20 members online, if you don't want to box a buffer you will have to be consistent to find a group. It's not something you can find in first 10 hours in the game, and you actually have to apply your social interaction abilities, it does take a while, but you will for sure find it.
I've been on the same boat recently, and I have no single regret of joining.
Good luck with your choice