I have spent some time playing many different mmo's, and I cannot help but notice the lack of such social forms. Now I know most people are probably like well this guy is noob, and he hasn't lurked in the forums enough etc... if that is the case then please refer me to the correct forum post.
The idea of linkshells are a nice idea and all, but the idea of fighting for a castle or a hall [or home] for your own group is one of those things I like to play for. Working for a larger goal than just your own. I would say that maybe we could borrow some of the ideas used in Eve online for this. Linkshells become player created channels, and then there would be a guild and alliance level where only people in those given groups would be part of the channel. I would like to hear some opinions on this since I am still orienting myself with the community of our game. To me making pvp (related to guilds and later alliances) balanced with pve would help draw in a crowd of other players who enjoy those things.