2) Rethink newbie mobility
This wasn't my idea, but I think it's a good one. Changing realms should be made easier for newbies, so that if they land in a dull realm, they can try another realm without taking many weeks to get there. Add a new feature, "get smuggled out", which allows a character from a new family to get moved to a new realm within just a few days. One one hand, it'd allow them to try different realms if they fall on dull ones, and on the other, their increased mobility might incite older players to interact with them more, out of fear they'd move to a rival (instead of just quitting the game or staying by inertia).
That sounds like it could be a good implementation of that idea. If your account is under a month old, and you have spent more than three days in your realm, an option appears at the top of the Actions menu allowing you instant transport to another capital on that island where you automatically become a member of that realm.
A very good idea, but with a slightly different implementation:
1) When they join, send them a letter saying they will be receiving this opportunity in 3 days, so they can be expecting it.
2) After three days, send them another showing them where it is and explaining it again.
Talk to them directly and tell them what their options are; they'll miss a simple menu item.
