As said, its very rare that free and good go together!
I started playing mmorpgs when Ultima was pretty new. Then moved onto to SWG then EVE. I have tried many of the other mmorpgs out there including WoW, GWs & CoH. I love EVE but after 6 months I always need a break and its a very long and indepth game. SWG isn't worth talking about now, mainly because Zefan cries a lot when we mention it.

WoW is a pretty 'kids' mmorpg.
Ultima is one I go back to time and time again, its great, very deep game with a great skill structure. If you can get a copy of the client there are thousands of free shards (servers) out there to play on, however many are customised to hell and back) Worth a try though. I would suggest you start downloading trials and really look for a pay-to-play game, much better eperience overall!
I have't been able to afford to pay for my 2 eve accounts, or been able to put the time in to make enough ISK to pay for it that way. So, I have been looking about for a free mmorpg with a great artisan element but haven't found one.
Most free mmorpgs have bad - average graphics and turn into a grind fest. I am still looking but I am not expecting to find one.
But, tbh, I have done so much with the time I have saved when I would normally be playing mmorpgs its amazing, in fact, I don't think I have played a game in about a month! :O
EDIT: Never tried Anarchy Online, just looked at it and am I right in thinking you download original + 3 expansions but can only play original for free? Hate 'free' games that operate like this
