> Custom servers are often not even supported anymore, as matchmaking is used to funnel players into full games and keep them playing even if their friends log off for the night.

This is one of the primary reasons I still mainly play older games. I like being able to host servers with exactly the modes I like, or find servers that have them. Some of the best experiences I've had in online games has been on servers I've hosted for Halo (Trail AND Custom Edition). Nothing matches the feeling of logging on to your own or favorite server and playing with a mix of regulars and randoms, without servers it's impossible to build communities in the same way.