The bait has pretty much been anemic for at least 2 expansions. So I disagree that it's 'getting' that way. What keeps these guys playing is pretty much the same thing that's kept them playing for the past year and a half... and there isn't any 'one' thing that that happens to be. More like a lotta little things and the offered 'bait' is only a _very_ little thing.
And the question gets asked at least twice a week
. Not quite everyday, but close.
Seriously tho, think about the expansions. Kunark and SoV actually did manage to 'expand' the game by adding fresh and interesting content. Some will disagree obviously, but to me SoL and (judging from what I've read) PooP have done nothing but add a few of zones, a few levels (altho AA was a somewhat interesting way to raise the level cap it really wasn't very well done), and a LOT of twink mnk/bst weapons! --but the game itself has solidified. And has been for quite some time. Don't misinterpret. Not nessicarily the mechanics, but certianly the gameplay.
Which from a bidness standpoint, ironically, makes remarkably good sense. If it ain't broke then don't fix it. Wether it annoys you depends on what sort of gamer you tend to be. And sony's found an awful lot of people that it doesn't annoy
If EQ starts to hemmorage accounts I imagine you'll see the return of the creative and attractive 'bait'. But with SWG, EQ2, and at least _2_ more EQ1 expansions so near at hand, I seriously doubt even that.
All of that may sound redundant. But the question is redundant, no offence intended. If you're bored with EQ.. there really is a budding market of mmo's catering to different styles of gaming.