I never played EQ1 and I get tired of people comparing this game to 'the good old days' of EQ2 - it is a different game, made by different people.
Go play EQ1 if you want EQ1 toons ... it is as easy as that.
As for solo ability I just started a Coercer 10 days ago (04/03/06 or if you are not australian 03/04/06) I will hit L40 tonight 90% of this has been solo (I am grinding this toon up for my guild). I admit the game is getting easier than when it was released but none of my other toons can solo ^^^ mobs orange to them - yes I die alot but I can still do it.
I am having a great time on the Coercer - yes it gets borring mincing ^^^ solos one after the other but I would never have even dreamed of doing that on my L62 monk or L58 templar, they just could not do it.
Coercers are very strong solo and fun in groups. When I start to raid I hope am sure I will still enjoy it - but as I said I dont look back at EQ1 and think the class is so much less now.
Cheers
Queeky L39 Coercer - Nexus - Najena