I mean if the main worry is players and their retention then isnt it more of a pressing issue to tell the older players to stop being a bunch of selfish jerk circles? The way I run the Enchantry I allow newplayers and even known hated players into the Enchantry on the premise of RP, and in hopes allowing them space to develop their skills in RPing magic and being a player in general so in the end when they have a decent magic in their hand they know how to RP it correctly and not be a hiderence on the server, and this also allows new players to have a chance to start somewhere (magic wise.)
Older players lead things typically, guilds Orders nations citys etc.. They need to learn that their main goal shouldent also just be the building up of items and stock, their empire etc but it should be also incorperating new players and teaching them how to Roleplay on lord of the craft, in the end it not only helps them, the server, but it also helps you and your guild by adding another well learned member.
People need to learn to be more acceptive, I know theres a handful that do. Like even Leowarrior I've seen him grit his teeth and spend the time to make the new wood elves feel at home and wrap them around his nations culture(filthy mage haters) and Oren military orders give new players a place to start.
I dont see the reoccurring death of oren a problem in this, there will just be more factions for players to integrate into.