If I could return in time to when I was making soft clay for gp, I would have told me to just play Runescape within my limits. Money take interest or can come passively. Time spent loving Runescape is no time. I have about 3b and its selling that is nearly from flooring, although I would not call myself super wealthy. Everything you said is basically what I'd say. I have more money than I need right now so that I mainly only go around helping folks or performing dungeoneering for fun.
I never needed a bill but my lender is more than a bill. I don't like looking at big numbers so I instantly spend the amount on restocking for pvm like for old fashioned ovls baskets etc and buying skills for 99 or 120. Already got bis melee equipment, which I bought with cash I created through pvming and great mage and ranged gear. I'm mostly broke because I always spend my money on something expensive. However since I've everything I need I don't require the cashmoney nor do I sense broke.
Forgot to reply on what I do with my time. If I am being honest here I really don't understand. Largely I come online just to farm exp and quest points since I am close to reach maxed and quest Cape with 380+- quest points. I have everything I want for pvming. So runescape gameplay at this time is dull. Looking for a family busy kind clan with lots of events and individuals really frightening in discord or ts. Want some buddies. Not looking for a clan having a clan leader going for the big numbers of clan members.
I believe that the largest difference is honestly how you view Runescape. Before I'd riches that was my whole aim. Now when I play, I have purchased everything that is buyable, there are not any items I need etc and at first I didn't want to play with anymore. I felt I had achieved everything there was (no comp cape because, eww, skills) and collecting honestly is not that fun for me.
HOWEVER, now I have so much more fun playing. If I like a boss I can destroy it, even when gain is garbage. If I like a costly skill (I love herblore) I can do it, and it does not even matter if I play efficiently. Wealth on RS is similar to wealth irl. Is time. You don't need to manager your time so you could afford to purchase or do certain things, you get to spend your time doing things you like, regardless of the price, and that's really very pleasurable.
Not there yet but likely will not take long. Guess I will go comp and perform logs like everyone else is doing. I feel you. I'm eventually planning to max and then comp because I have just purchased everything I really care about and using rares for no other motive than to earn more money I do nothing with nearly murdered Runescape for me.
How good is it today? What are the key differences?
I haven't played in a long time. I stopped right after the expansive exchange was added. I burnt out on it and lost interest. I have a few questions. Back when I played, you didn't actually need a membership until around level 45 (I think), is this still true? Is this wilderness where pvp occurs? There's a literally not enough words to describe how you need to catch up (if you want that ofc).