I literally have only done one party quest because of how hard it is to find people to do it with, I change channels, and everything but still a group only comes up on that finder thing once in a blue moon, or at least improve your party function and make it better at finding people.
Im a new player (15) , and only recently heard of the big bang, and I have to say, I enjoy post big bang more and dont get people that complain. I still find it fun and addictive and the game looks much more beautiful than pre big bang from what I've seen in videos. Nostalgia can blind you from the bad the old you playing at the time probably found the game fustrating in some of its mechanics. The only real thing I'd probably agree with you on is Community. But thats expected when things get old, and then a new other fad comes along.