I like how you meet so many new people and how welcoming everyone is.
I've met a whole alliance of people who live in the same city as me and study at the same University I want to get into once I finish high school.
A downside is the time needed and the stress. It's all too political if you want to play the game to it's fullest. Some people enjoy it, I didn't enjoy it so much. I guess it's all just part of the game.