Possible level/story jumps....really?

[Higashikata]

Just bundle the next expansion that grants players 300% EXP gains up to level 60. The bonus exp is only applied to the character's current highest level combat, crafting and gathering class. Could also be a new NPC that gives new players a set of untradeable HQ every 10 levels from 1-50 and ever two levels 50-60.

They'll only have to do each leveling dungeon twice at most while still actually having to play through content. I think an instant leveling type potion would be one of the worst case scenarios as levels 1-50 are essentially the tutorial for the game. After all, there's already a problem with people not understanding how to play their class in DF, and that would only exacerbate the situation.

[GaMEChld]

I find it a dubious prospect to copy strategy from WoW considering the diminishing number of subs they have experienced in recent years. If I had to pin that on anything, its from removing challenge and treating players like babies.

As my friend likes to say, "They gave away the carrot." There needs to be that horizon you are walking toward. Skipping content and throwing in free levels is not the right solution. If the pace of the early game is such a hurdle, why not do something as simple as massively increase the exp rewards from old MSQ quests? Make them give so much exp that you cannot level lock yourself out of them. That'll increase leveling rate of the first class dramatically and get rid of a big part of the grind.