Not to be an ass kiss but when they did update things, most of the community whined at the bugs or the incompleteness.
But like Riipiin said, Ryan is the only one who can make the majority of changes regardless of how simple they may seem, and Ryan has an awful case of saying he will do things then disappearing. This has proved frustrating (and has been the result of multiple staff resignations) to us all. If you dig through the forums you will see this for yourself, but 3. It's more the lack of development/time put into the server at the moment that is the issue.
you seem to know that already.
No matter what is done, there will always be people who don't like changes/updates made. That is a part of running any sort of service.
And if Ryan can't handle that he should of never started a server. Which brings me to my point, if he wanted to revive this "project" he could of done so ages ago but because he hasn't the community is dead.
And promises of it being revived just come across with no meaning because of the lack of attention the server has gotten.
The first thing I got told when I started here was "There hasn't been an update in 2 years" which, true or not, is sad that a player would feel the need to mention that to a new player.
I think most of you believe I am "having a go" at the server/owners. Don't take what I'm saying the wrong way. I love the idea this server holds, I'm just saying it needs more work and I don't believe it really will get revived to much of a point when the owners themselves, like you said Slangin, say they will fix/revive it but then are nowhere to be seen.
My point is, this server could go a LONG WAY and easily have a huge flow of players once the main things are fixed OR a temp compromise is made. Why do I think that? Well, firstly don't have to pay for members so there is a lot more you can do without having to spend money. Second, leveling is obviously quicker then osrs but not so fast that its too quick/easy to get maxed.