I'm very pleased to hear about these new servers and have started Thinking Different in preparation.
The cost of land in SL has always been a barrier to entry (or continued existence) for people with cool ideas but not a lot of money. I hope this change will mean I can finally build that giant chicken farm I've been dreaming about all these years.
Their statement on gambling shows that they don't understand why Linden Lab shut gambling down: US law. I was surprised that gambling wasn't forbidden by the SL Terms of Service from day 1.
In the USA, online gambling is illegal under the Federal Wire Act of 1961. Outside the USA, it's a different story, but Linden Lab and its servers are in the USA.
Robert, *you* are welcome to visit Second Life anytime (assuming you didn't get expelled, which it sounds like you didn't, since you still get a monthly bill).
You are someone who tries to stay in touch with all the important things going on in the tech world. Second Life is one of them.
So forgive Linden Lab (who are just obeying the law) and come see some of the amazing things happening.
Hint: Amazing things abound... a veritable gold mine for someone with your talents.