well....

1. I'm an extremely casual gamer, does this game take alot of dedication?

Not really, I play solo 99% of the time and I can do what I want to do when I want to do it, and party up with friends whenever, the point is to enjoy the game and just put in as much as you want to

2. After the beginning hype, are the servers still active?

Yes

3. Is it a friendly community?

I believe so, obviously you have to make friends in game and ignore the idiots out there, but generally the community is what you make of it.

4. In MMO's do you NEED to be in a guild or clan?

Not at all, but as you make more friends you will end up being part of a guild/clan anyway, it's just part of being in a friendly community. You will inevitably join a Linkshell or two (or more lol) with friends that you make along your way.