yeah, same here - actually start late 2006/early 2007 in Wetham but then moved to Norland, then spread myself around. Loved it when I found the Barony - I think 75% were either from Wisconsin/Minn/Upper Michigan or else Scandinavians, so we could all sit and play with the same "Viking" accent 
Never a quiet moment in those days. And it WAS hard to get a title - made them actually worth something
These days, you can just walk right into them. We've had an empty region in Talerium the entire time I've been there; the Duke can't be bothered to look for a lord, and none of the players seem to have figured out all they have to do is ask for it. Or something - dunno.
Norland was a great realm. Started there in 2006 as well...still is the best realm i've played. It was sad to see it gone.
Today you can join a realm and become a lord just for showing up.
