State of lineage 2 for a new player

Hey guys, just downloaded the game and started playing, seems like an amazing game which i have been enjoying a lot. I've played most mmorpgs and somehow have just came across this! My only problem and question is about the current state of the game. Everywhere i look i see sour players complaining about the game. Fair enough the game is very old but what makes the game in its current state not worth playing? If there is a small solid player base that is surely enough? Also was just wondering if anybody would want to mentor me or invite me into a clan etc? Is the game worth starting if im not going to spend any real life money, what are my end achievable goals as i have knowledge of end game currently. Cheers