I only played from early 2005 - early 2007 but managed to put 200+ days /played into my characters.
I played competitively and compulsively, and was there for most of the first kills of all bosses on our server (Horde side at least) until BC.

I was one of the first 70's in BC, but only played for a couple months afterward.
I realized I both didn't really enjoy playing that much any more, I really had burnt myself out grinding Naxx for Atiesh, especially as we only made it to the 4 Horsement before BC. It also became apparent to me that I was using the game as a crutch to hide from aspects of my real life.

Once I stopped playing I was able to spend the energy that I had been spending playing the game to work on finishing my degree and further my career.

I wish I hadn't ever played, and that I'd sold my character when I stopped playing.

I do enjoy talking to many of the people I played with still, and thus these forums.