Here is a nice list to start when considering joining a server. I don't think that all of these are still available, but many are:
http://www.eqemulator.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24875
And I think Vent is mainly used on a per guild-basis. But, I do know that Zebuxoruk has one for the whole server to use if that is something that is high priority for you. Personally, vent was a huge part of what turned me off from WoW. I just couldn't get used to talking instead of chatting. I think it was too distracting as well.