When I came back I subscribed (I know some people advise not to and they raise valid points but the cost isn't that much compared to one good meal and having played these games since the time of the MUDS it just feels right to pay for it) but I assume I just have the basic game I had at release. On the other hand I also have *some* things that were introduced later such as the fourth race.
In some MMOs getting expansions is something that makes no sense until you reach the maximum character level at which the expansion was introduced. At which point you need the expansion to keep gaining levels and for access to new zones appropriate to those levels. In some MMOs you may not NEED the expansion until then but buying it earlier gives you significant additional options as early as level one. New races, new classes, access to better mounts even flying ones, access to level-scaling dungeons and zones introduced by the expansion and available at low level if you buy the expansion, access to mercenaries or crafting assistants or other perks, etc.
So, the obvious questions.
(1) What expansions or other extra-cost content, if any, are needed to reach current maximum level? At what levels are they needed.
(2) What expansions or other extra-cost content, if any, give significant benefits towards adventuring or crafting or exploring prior to the levels at which they become *necessary*?
Thanks.