Wizz, you aren't the first person to take this road. I've seen it countless times over the years.
So, with apologies to Erikson, I give you the following stages;
Becoming Involved vs. Not Subscribing (0 days - 2 months)
At this stage, the new player decides to learn the game, or get frustrated with the learning curve and quit.
Win The War vs. Learn to Fight (2 months - 8 months)
At this time, the newer player joins a squadron and decides which path his gameplay will be; either winning the war or concentrating on the fight. This choice depends greatly on the squadron the individual joins.
Popularity vs. One of Many (8 months - 3 years)
During this period the player seeks to gain notoriety or becomes one of the masses (voluntarily or not). Note that some never leave this stage.
Stagnation vs. Action (3 years - 7 years)
At this period the player leaves the game in boredom or branches out in the game to keep interest alive. Some even attempt to give back to the game to keep the interest alive.
Frustration vs. Acceptance (7 years +)
During this period the player decides that the new crop of players or tactics are the worst thing to happen to the game in a very long time. They lash out against any new idea or concept and often leave the game for several months at a time, vowing never to return. With few exceptions, they always return to the game eventually.
(I'm sure I missed one or two stages, but it is a start)
