I am not sure if this was suggested before but I think the server should have a /exp command to make it the max -exp at the specific level. I know that usually only high rate servers have it. The reasoning is that most high levels kill off low levels in their town for the nk then having some priest in the guild anthem them. They do this instead of just punching priest for 20 mins. I think this will help with retaining new players.
Picture this, you just get out of the begining area and you are in town. All of a sudden in a second you are dead. You don't know why, you don't know where to go to res (usually). Some people might leave the game that might otherwise might stay.