I came in with a lot of players from another game.  Most of them have become inactive, but Scorp i actually got to join off me.
If it wasn't for that group, I probably would have quit eons ago.  I believe the only ones still playing are Lanidarc (Stumpie), Coolbay, MahtaReika, Scorpious, and Druchii (BoondockSaint).
I still talk with Dru, but if it wasn't for the others in the group before, I would probably have quit.  
I agree we need to try to retain new players more.  As in all online games that run over time, there will be a high attrition rate, but if we can salvage even 10%, we will have accomplished something incredible.
Biff, I think your idea is good....probably needs some tweaking, but the basic concepts are sound.  I'll have to ponder over a "newbie package" and see what my twisted imagination can come up with  
