I think it depends somewhat on whether hardcore is measured in hours played, or a specific need to be on the bleeding edge for progression/gear/etc.

For the latter, I don't think this game is really focused (or if it is, it's not really succeeding) at providing a significant challenge hardcore players. If you're singularly focused on getting gear and progressing, the content is definitely lacking at the moment. I think even most "mid core" players could have cleared it all by now if they dedicated themselves to it.

However, in terms of hours and "general stuff to do", I think the game is in a good place for launch. It has some flaws, but has kept my attention easily playing 5-7 hours per day with my significant other after work as our main hobby, and only now after a month are we generally looking into "real" end game progression. The rest has gone into alts (for cross class skills), crafting, gathering, and helping to gear up FCmates as they reach 50.