The way you describe this, it sounds pretty grim. I prefer an endgame that's focused on player interaction. PvP, politics, trade, whatever. Not just more stuff-getting.
MUDs allow really intricate combat too. Everyone on Achaea ends up working with elaborate scripts that I don't know if they would be considered "cheating" on another game.
I don't really feel comfortable with voice chat unless it's people that I know fairly well. I am 23, incidentally. I can see that it allows for another level of involvement, but I prefer using it with non-strangers only.