You have obviously not had much experience with MySql if you think its easy to change it as you might suggest. Changing small bits at a time is easy in general, that's if you have all the information you need. Let's take editing items for example (which believe it or not, is NOT the easiest thing to change, theres much simpler ones.). To change an item you must first have the idea of what type of item you want it to be. Let take an uber sword you plan on making for example. Ok, first, think of a creative name that players will want to use. Then, think, "Well, I need the weapon to be balanced class-wise, so what stats can I use or NOT use. And also, will the stats I give it be to weak or too powerful for the mobs on my server? Also, how do I get the itemids or the fileids, or the iconids. These are NECESARY pretty much. Now, maybe I want to make it a 1hs, ok, whats the skill number. Now, I want it to have a spell that procs, ok, whats the spell id? Now, whats the number to make it a worn proc? Ok, got those, let's go in game and check it out!" So, now your in game, you summon the item and.... oh. It doesn't work? Well, let's go back to the DB, find the item, and either redo everything or find the source of the problem. These problems can be SO small its unbelieveable. From having the wrong class number (the number that tells the DB which classes can use) to the wrong weapon type. So, let's fix the problem, go back in game and check it out. Ok, it works but the graphic isn't what I was wanting, lets go back and change it real quick. Now, what if you want the epic 2.0 graphic? Well, I have only known of few people whom know these numbers. One being myself, and I even have the class written next to it for each graphic. ok, we got 'em, lets go change it and check it out. Ok, in game, woot, it works and freakin awesome lookin now. Now, to try it on the mobs in my game. Well, this weapon will be available to people who will get exp in these zones, so let's go try it out on those mobs. Hmmm, seems a little strong or a little weak even, gonna have to beef it up. Well anyway, the problems and lists of things to do, can go on and on and on. Obviously, its not simple as you think. And also, making zones from scratch using openzone isn't all that easy and can get somewhat annoying trying to work with it. And, my server had new zones, but my comp being a piece of crap couldn't handle a server so I never got a chance to put it up for the public. But don't worry, the server im working on now (Path of Chaos) should be awesome and will have custom zones. So, to sum it up, no its not simple to edit a WHOLE DB to make the server totally custom. For the person who has to work on it, its a pain in the ass, but of course its worth it in the end, but it still is a job in its self to get there. So, even though I simpathize with you in that I would love to make a whole new EverQuest so to speak, it is NOT as easy as you so make it.
Orknel
P.S.
Path of Chaos website is
www.boppoom.net check it out, it should be alot of fun.