I've played MMOs since the original EQ started and downtime is just something to expect, especially with games this complex. Whatever I miss I'll make up. I'll be happy to get whatever toys are given out for this but honestly, I'll be just as glad to see the server come up.
Same drill for me: multiple crashes yesterday. I force-veried this morning and got a 3.7 gig patch??? Now it insta-crashes. Guess we'll find out sooner or later.