The last transaction Mikie Made on the AH was in 2007, so he probably doesn't play at the moment .
As for it being a good server to start a new character on, its probably no better or worse than any other really , and starting new is easier nowadays with level sync and other adjustments in the game . Theres some great freindly linkshells on this server that welcome new players too, so go for it . Don't forget theres now free trials of the game available to download, so really, your friend would have nothing to lose by trying it out .