I'd have to /disagree with this one. As a kinda new player myself (main is now level 76), I've found that this game appeals to the "sandbox" crowd. Since I started, I've seen about 6, so far, of the old SWG people I ran with try the game, and sub, with more coming (another 6 at least that I know of) and very possible another old SWG guild coming over.
With more sandbox games coming (EQNEXT seems to be the big one), Funcom is in a pretty good position to "cash-in" on the upcoming sandbox phase of MMOs with 1 that has 12 years of post-launch upgrades. The suggestion I would have is to further build upon the sandbox features, that sets this game apart from WoW et al, and make AO an alternative to all the little themepark games out there. IE - more housing, more deco items and more placement of same, more maps, end game areas, dedicated crafter profs that level via crafting, less NODROP/Unique, etc etc etc.