As a returning player from a few years ago I like the changes made so far with the progression style of skills compared to the old version, however you are currently left with little to do while waiting a lengthy time to progress to the max in most skills. I think a few more additions to the building and crafting system could work wonders for interest in the game in terms of more tribal or primitive styled structures with primitive and bronze tools, weapons and armor.

Adding two more layers of progression could fill out a lot of what seems like empty progression in the skill leveling process and encourage people to move out of safe zones earlier on or even right away if they are able to construct primitive maces, battle axes and throwing spears etc. with scrappy fur armors, primitive watch towers and walls. Especially if they can then easily progress to bronze armor and tools in a few days. Depending on the diversity of structures this could encourage people who prefer not to live in keeps and castle-villages to populate the servers with more primitive styled towns of nomads, hunter-gatherers and raiders.