Thank you @Enkidoh for your very helpful and friendly reply! Wow, so far (judging just from the forums) the FFXIV community seems so friendly and helpful compared to other MMO's I am moving over from.

Think I will be going for the paid character transfer then, seems like the surefire way of getting where I want to be. My character should be three days old tomorrow I think.

It is good to hear that Balmung is the RP server, as for most of my MMO life I have been a roleplayer, and I am quite excited to get into it here on FFXIV. So much new lore and things to learn though since I am completely new to the FF franchise. Also quite excited for it though!

Am hoping that these first impressions of an amazingly friendly and helpful community is true, and that it lasts!