I hadn't considered it like that, but that was pretty much how I experienced MUDding. I got into it and wanted to level up, do quests, and explore. Before hitting level 20 (out of 100, basically barely out of newbie status), I stopped caring about progress - but spent even more time there.

I tried going back once, but without spending time to build connections with other players, it wasn't fun. Didn't quite realise that till I read your comment though.