The reason I stayed was because I started in a realm full of endless chatter (Avamar on EC) where many welcomed me and I also got a mentor early on which I asked everything to. It was also just a really good and welcoming atmosphere there.
I think I got that personal letter from the mentor so I really think the mentors are awesome. Don't know how many that are willing to be mentors these days? We got a new player in Westmoor just now. I don't think we have a mentor in the realm even so that says something