The map is old, and it needs to be wiped eventually. But maybe we should go with something different for the next map.
If I were to run a server (again), although I never will, I'd make the main map an "adventure map" and have a small resource map that would be wiped every month or so. The main map would remain beautiful because most or all of it could only be changed by staff. It could contain dungeons, questing areas, training areas, scenic areas, and areas of interest. I haven't thought how to fit towns in, maybe users could "request" underground or aboveground areas for towns, and when the town dies, the land would be wiped and restored.
Also I'd use an external map maker tool to create the map. With some effort, it looks much better than the terrain naturally generated and you can create natural borders like mountains or oceans. It also gives you more control on the terrain near your main city or dungeons. You also have the advantage of preventing caves and resources from spawning, which means many more mobs on the surface to kill and little need for anti-xray measures in the main world.
This solution has its obvious benefits, and would most likely be more immersive. I believe Kainzo once mentioned a quest/dungeon/arena world, so I'm hoping those plans are similar.