I didn't notice the community change in any significant way. But then, I think it's the kind of thing a lot of people went into it with bad impressions to begin with. Look for reasons to be angry, you'll find them. If anything, I've found teams easier to get, and the game maintained surprisingly active all through ToR's release. (Something I -didn't- notice during other, smaller game releases.)
As for must buy's, that really depends on your playstyle. Most of the new sets have received really positive reviews, but by the same token they're -everywhere,- and if you like feeling unique you're better off staying old school. I'm not a fan of the travel powers at all; mostly because they detoggle some toggles and turn into a hassle. If you don't have the martial arts pack, though, the ninja run is quite nice.
While I don't think things have degraded that much in the community, I do believe, at least in areas like Atlas, it has to a point. Where as before, one could and still can meet new and interesting people under Atlas and most of them be at least moderately fun, mature and overall good people, there is still an element now that is just far too Trollish. Of course it's been there all along but I feel it's grown quite a bit more in the past few months/year. I don't forsee it being bad enough to move to Exalted which, at this point, it seems most are just using it to move their lvl 50's they don't play much anymore to retire.
Aside from that, nothing has changed much. Softcap or otherwise. Some of the new powersets are quite fun and the new beginners sewer trial make's it much easier to find a team and level early if you so choose. However, if you are interested in Lore/Content/Story, I do recommend trying a few of the new beginning story arcs from the new beginning contacts. They are quite fun.
Welcome back, by the way 
Alright, looks like I'll be sticking to Virtue. As long as I can find teams and the community hasn't turned to mush there isn't much point in the VIP server, I suppose.
Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll start planning out some characters while I wait for my hardware to be delivered.
Hey all. I'm returning to City of Heroes in a few days and would like some help to mentally ease into things. I haven't played since before the game went free to play and everything feels foreign to me. I had to quit CoH when the first incarnate slot was hot stuff due to video card issues. I'm finally getting a new card and some more memory by this Friday and in my desire to jump into an MMO again I downloaded the game and already signed for the VIP subscription.
Anyway, I have a few questions, but would also appreciate any advice you see fit to dole out.
I've always played on Virtue, mostly because of the community. With there being a VIP server now, would my best bet be to stay at Virtue or to migrate to Exalted? I was never a role-player, but I did enjoy the effort role-players put into their characters. Did the f2p player-base change any of that? Also, what is the population of the VIP server like? Teaming is a core part of the game, after all.
What items on the market would you consider must buys? I'm not overjoyed that I'll have to pay extra (or wait a few months with the VIP subscription) to unlock some of those new sets, but whatever. If it keeps my favorite MMO alive I'll do it.
Has the formula for a character's survivability changed at all? Specifically when it comes to defense and the 45% softcap. I'll probably end up playing something with time manipulation and be squishy anyway, but it is worth noting. Any changes to core combat mechanics are also worth mentioning, if you could.
So I'm happy I'll be playing again in a few days, but until then I'm stuck to the forums. How has everyone been? (Yeah, I realize that nobody knows me, but I might know you!)