We should be able to switch grand companies and nations, especially after 2.0. That way we can actually experience the other story lines.
Especially since we do not have the option of simply making a new character the way you do in other mmo's. I mean, really, 3$ per character? That's kind of crazy. Why would you ever make it that expensive!?

As for retainers... well, if you ask me they should be all be free. You could start with the x2 free retainers and as you progress through the game have the ability and option to obtain more retainers. To avoid too many players leaving retainers in the wards they could have a limit of no more than x2 retainers out in the wards.

ah... sorry for the rant. x.x;