Just give me WOW + RVR and I'm happy.
If this game is meant to be a PVP(RVR) game then most people will flock to standard builds. So stat allocation because a non-issue if you want to be competitive. Sure it screws over people who want to play Mages and think they're cool when they put all their stats into Strength.
Starter areas being the same is fine. Honestly who cares? If I'm playing I don't want to ever see the starter area again after I leave. I'd rather more in depth and varying mid-end level content where I spend most of the time.
As long as I have WASD movement, tab targeting and non-spamming skills I'm happy.
I don't need a long grind. I don't want to have to play for years to get to the top level where the good PVP is going on. If it takes 6 months of 20-30 hours a week playtime I will quit before I get there due to tediousness. I'm glad they are staying away from the nightmare that is L2. Seriously you guys that like the L2 grind can go cut yourself with your mouse pad somewhere else.
Classes should be exactly the same at the top end. It's a PVP game after all correct? Balancing is a must or one side is going to be over populated because of some sort of overpowered skill at one point. This avoids it and leaves your choice to mostly ascetics. It should just rely on a small skill allocation (Stigmas?) and gear at the end. After that just on player's skill at using a skill at the right time (crowd control, dispels, offensive and defensive abilities).
This game has my attention and I'm looking forward to try it out.