After trying several free shards and seeing what they offer, I can't help but think that they have forgotten what Ultima was all about. Most servers focus strongly on pvp and rampant stealing, looting and ganking. People seem to have forgotten that Ultima was based on virtues, not on vices. Going around killing miners for their ore is not a real example of pvp or fighting skill. Laying in wait to kill the miner when they return to their house in order to loot it is not pvp either. It seems as though many pks are either bullies or opportunists.
Does Sosaria have pvp? Yes, throughout felucca. However, where its one thing to kill another player, its mean-spirited to slay their mount as well (unless it is attacking you of course). Such hazards as house-looting are a thing of the past, as the house owner can set permissions for not only the house but for each secure within it.