Multiplayer Free-Roam

The 2015 reboot was so impressive.  Coming out of your garage and seeing other people there.  Their car's backed up, parked, and looking at everyone else's car's as they came out.  I remember not even racing but following cars as they ran around.  Stopping at the gas station across the highway just to watch people race.  Setting up 1/4 mile tracks and inviting people.  Some just went to the garage and built a whole new set up just to drag the 1/4 mile with us.  That's what NFS is in my book, or was I guess.  I have no idea how to meet new people now.  Yes, I do the playlist but that isn't the ich I crave.  Now, there are so many garages but no central hub for players to mingle.  The downside I had for 2015 was only allowing 8 players per server.  It blew my mind because the map was so big and now its even bigger.  I cleared the story in a day and build a few cars but now there is no social aspect and for me and that's why I like to play.  I love seeing other players cars that they worked their * off to get and the customization of their cars.  Personally I'm giving it a week.  If there isn't any mention of free roam with hopefully more than 8 players I will be asking for a refund.  The sad part is that there is a loyal following and we waiting a long time for Payback and then got disappointed.  I don't understand the business model that was released.  Why not release a product that pleased both the single player and multi player genre?  Playlists are great if you are racing towards getting a Bugatti or something of that nature and the only way to do it is to compete in playlists.  But that isn't the case. Just like in 2015 NFS playlists will die off.  Central hub imo should be either the airfield or in the city.