There really hasn't been that many A+ MMO's in the more "Hardcore" space. There have been some good games for sure.
As peoples time to play has changed and their level of expendable income has also changed, developers have also changed the types of games they have created. If we just took this board and made a big list of the features people want, we would find that most people don't want to have to invest as many hours as they used to, but want to feel just as rewarded. They want to log on to their guild of 100, but be able to solo or small group things that have the same quality and scripting as a raid encounter. With all the choices people have out there having a game with a steep learning curve, dedicated players and that requires long hours for progression doesn't seem to be a place where one could make a living. People keep trying and good for them, I wish them all the best!
I miss playing EQ, DOAC and Planetside. Even with the games I have worked on over the years, those are the ones I wish I could go back and recapture the feeling for myself.