While I do like the idea of some guidance on where to go and what to do next especially for a new player I dislike the 'follow the path of !'. And yes, we aren't even sure that is what we are getting I am concerned about it. I've played many other MMO that is just follow quest chain after quest chain. Usually you end up doing them solo and even if you want to team up you can't because your partner might not be on the same quest chain as you.

But all that aside, I believe the OP is really looking for options. I am also hoping there is the ability to not just follow the ! and there is a way to just grab your friends and explore the (open)world and if you want to camp and grind mobs you can.

The whole 'as you zone in you will be presented with a list of things to do' worries me a bit and I hope there are things to do that you aren't actually lead to. I don't mind it be there for newer players or something but I hope there will still be some mystery when I enter a new zone.

However, we don't actually know how it is going to work so I'm trying to be open minded about it. I'm hoping there is some balance between hand holding and no guidance at all.