i think what you guys do not see is, that a full wipe - even with rank and craft xp - is more than just a fair start to all new players, but gives the veterans a pleasant way to engage once more with the exitement of beginning a new game. Plus now we have a lot of information on how to succeed and that will make the newly began journey fun to play.
Nobody forced you to invest over a year of your livetime in an EA Title that was clearly to be wiped over and over again or maybe never released. Don't act like you build something real here. Only ones i hear crying are vets with their untouchable clans and in fear of coming in a bigger lake where they will not be the biggest fishes anymore. And - for the admirals sake - this wil finally stop you from exploiting the game mechanics for your ganks and what not.
Stop crying and fight, you landlubbers.