Back to 2014, with Helnesis and some friends, we decided to made our own private server GM-RP 4.3.4, because the N°1 in french community was ruled by a huge fucktard. For this server, i have retroported the WoD HD models for cataclysm (we were really few people doing this in 2014). we got some players just for this.
But, a night, when i was watching the walking dead, i got a notification a skype "hey dude, theses bastards stole your patch for their server", damn i was interrupted watching a serie, i was really mad about this, people don't respect what you do.
Since this day, i am really paranoiac about important content, now we are close to summer 2016, i don't give a fuck about retroporting HD Models, everybody can do it by download or whatever, if somebody take my patch without my consent, i honnestly don't give a shit.
Yeah i totally agree, there was a french server named "L'astre", it was the first server including custom transports, darker nights, spawning gob with spells etc...
That was a huge flop.
Only workings RP servers are the one with no specific rules or specific content.
Competition is good, but it's stressful too
And yeah you're right, i have already more than 100 players connected the evening (Record 160)
Tools can be used against you, happened to me a lot of time.
And i totally agree with Hyakimaru about the french community.