I started after it became Gemstone III (but before AOL was unlimited), played for a couple years (only made it to about level 25 or so), and stopped for quite some time. Played again after it had become Gemstone IV for a month or two but the game had changed quite a bit and other things were vying for my time. I still love the battle mechanics, and as a rogue I especially liked chopping off legs or heads in one shot, but I hear the community isn't what it used to be. The cost is also a big drag.
I too could probably safely navigate Wehnimer's, but never spent much time in Icemule (and I think that was all there was when I last played) so I'd have trouble running around there.
Anyone know of a free MUD that has similar mechanics? I'd probably hop on and play that from time to time.