in reponse to how long it took to max out pre-patch, 1 year is potentialy pretty high. Keep in mind there are essentially 2 phases pre-patch: 1) the period of time when mostly JPs knew about digging, with very few NAs, and 2) the period of time after lots of NAs and RMT started digging.

It took me 6 months to max out digging, since there was very little competition (there were maybe 1-2 other NA diggers when I was skilling, and I would make sure to only dig while JPs were asleep, as well as search zones to make sure they werent there before heading out), digging maybe 6-8 hours a day. I was the first NA to max out on fairy (i think the post from when I capped out is still on these boards way back, somewhere).

Anyway I could see it taking close to 1 year in the few months leading up to the nerf (when competition was really fierce and RMTs kept nearly every money zone dug up) but honestly, 6-8 months isnt unreasonable pre-nerf for someone who worked hard at leveling, without a bot.

edit: found it, I capped out in may 05 http://www.bluegartr.com/forum/viewt...p=31573#p31573