1. There is no vocal support built into the game. Since there are usb ports on the PS3 I imagine you could hook a mic up to it but I don't know how you would run something else in parallel.

2. The PS3 seems slower than high end gaming PCs. It is faster than mine, though. A bunch of my FC members use a PC with a game controller hooked up to it. So just ignore the hate.

3. It depends on your main adventuring classes. I've been leveling all 8 crafting classes but for Gladiator/Paladin the most important crafting classes will be Blacksmith and Armorer, both found in Limsa.

4. PvP wasn't in beta. The Wolves' Den was added in a patch. It is arena specific pvp - 4 on 4 matches. I haven't tried it either.