I thought the whole server reset thing was just while these games were in active development and once released that wasn't going to be the case, maybe its stuck around because people like it for whatever reason? Maybe its controlled on a server by server basis
No, it is a core feature.
Any time the game developers release an update ALL servers have a forced "WIPE" so all have to start fresh.
You can have base game servers or custom servers (Allow more items to stack, custom maps, skins etc) but they all have a scheduled wipe system in place.
It is just a concept I can not grasp still. Progression I thought is what triggers the brain. Seeing numbers go off, seeing damage numbers, getting gear, looking unique and seeing your stats and how you sit.