The EU and JP servers are still up for PSO.
And yes, you can access either server with either copy
If you went to the trouble to buying a BBA (like me), you might as well shell out a couple more bucks for pso v2 EU, and a modchip so you wont have to use a bootdisk.
the homebrew servers leave a lot to be desired. There are many bugs when a DC user joins a pc server. There are many times when chat wont work, items wont pick up, freezing, and times when maps just wont load at all. Those servers are also OVERUN with hackers and cheaters whereas the dc servers boast a strong legit majority.
There's no pirated copies of pso EU either, as opposed to all the warez slime that lurks in those hacked to death servers. Only true legit kids on Sega Maintained servers
I've played pso pc and dc on the homebrew servers for some time, and it's just not the same.
so come with me! join the ranks! avoid the great unwashed!