Unfortunately, due to the forum's 10000 character restriction on posts, I can't post the whole content of this topic here - so instead, go to:
http://www.shockedfrog.com/classic.txt
which is a text file containing the proper contents of this topic. You might find it easier to read with word wrap on :) Please reply with your thoughts on what I've typed, and on what you believe makes Classic classic.
I guess they made it just one post a day? I suppose I can sort of edit-reply :)
maximus asinus: Valid points, but the first, that a player could enter an area too tough for them, well, that depends on the player's skills, not their stats. As for your second concern, well, that's where balance comes in - because all players can get all items, the fact that a newbie could get a 'laming weapon' would not matter, since the people they would use it against would also, if they were sensible, have that weapon too.
As for guilds, while I'm really trying to make guilds easier to make rather than harder, the point is to give guilds more of a purpose, and I agree with what you're saying in that way.