Welcome back to the addiction!

The next ladder reset is undetermined, but I'm going to assume sometime next spring/summer.

Most people play on East, though I know Kazilla plays on West.

Hammerdins are still the most played/overpowered/rusher/Mfer in the game. Blizzard/Fireball Sorcs are the most common.

Botting is OK, not the best that it's been but there are still bots available.

Maphack is currently working, check this thread: http://zelaron.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46256