Im not sure if im being an idiot.... is there no longer a cross server chat platform for players to just jump on and chat crap?

Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure the cross-server chat was eliminated a couple years ago when the interface redesign was implemented.

ok! it never was very active tbf.. but a shame anyway.
saw a post about zorg asking suggestions about not only getting people on the game but keeping them here.. maybe that's an option to re-explore?

when you first start its quite lonely.. having people to give advice, as well as chit chat to while things are building and developing, could get people to stay long enough to get into the game a little..

I agree, despite rarely being very active it was still a nice thing to have, and imo bringing it back could only do good.