Miniscule experience dept FTW!!!
When Eq2 first came out, I hated to group because everyone was learning the game and didn't really know what they could get away with. Consequently, I would log off with 138% group debt for the night (or something like that). That didn't bode well for the casual player. The only issue is that now they have reduced it so much that there is almost Zero penalty, besides a repair bill. And even the repair bill is tiny, unless you have fabled, raid gear. Then it gets a bit pricey.
Crafting is simplified and there are no more sub-combines. Just harvest, buy the fuel, and make whatever you want depending on your level.
Vitality bonus. Not sure when they implemented this but you basically get 100% exp bonus until this meter runs out. It gets replenished at a rate of .5% an hour or something like that. This vitality bonus encouraged players to start alts!
As Calthine mentioned, the game has improved tremendously and there are really way too many things to write down....