I like doing that. XD But I think you're right in that for a lot of people, being able to create a character quickly and get into the game was a draw, at least back when the game began. The problem is that now MMOs are more mainstream and people are more used to the idea of a game offering twenty kazillion options. They're prepared for having to plan their character out, and the idea of creating a character that's unique becomes less daunting and more part of the fun. It's why games like Aion and Phantasy Star Universe can now use the character creator as a major selling point.

Once again, after testing Aion I think for once someone got the toon customization right.

In Aion you are free to choose from a set of premade toons, or sets of faces/hair/bodies/etc, or you can go hardcore and play with sliders and modify every bit of your avatar. Customization can be a one minute deal or it can take as long as you want.

It is perfect.

I can only wish WoW, being my favorite MMO, would implement a system like this.