I don't have any Rank 50 classes despite playing from launch Shiyo - closest is Botanist (just off 41, and my highest Combat is 27!), which if I had Behests etc no doubt would be maxed, but I understand your worry. I am hoping that the Quest Hubs, much like the current Side-Quests, are optional, and you do them if you want too, rather than it being the main, and only, way to level your character. I never played Final Fantasy XI for longer than a month, and have played World of Warcraft for six years, but I'm here to play something different.

Personally, I think our worries will probably be unfounded, despite the use of instanced dungeons and such - not all of World of Warcrafts instances have been easy, and many have been outright exciting. Instancing is also a good way to make good, solid, challenging content without having to worry about others 'stealing' your stuff or just outright removing the challenge due to sheer numbers in the area. I don't think they will go wrong with making dungeons as part of the Lore or just as something to do. My main worry would be the 'gear-treadmill'. Nothing dissapoints me more than gearing up, so that I can gear up - but we shall see.

My main fear is that we lose a lot of the 'choice' we have at the moment. I like being able to wander about as I see fit, and do what I want in various areas without feeling I'm 'missing' out on things such as Skill Points or Gear. I fear the pidgeon holing, the 'necessary' gear level, the constant runs for more gear, rather than for entertainment, and the things that gear and statting brings with it - both a game barrier for entry, and a social one as people are unwilling to help those 'lesser' than themselves, particularly because it takes time that they need for more gear.

I've played lots, and lots, of MMOs in my time - the last one I remember being as social and friendly as this game was Star Wars Galaxies - but we all know what happened to that when they decided to change it to appeal to the supposed mythical 'WoW crowd'.

Also, to quote from the Letter:

"Akihiko Matsui, our lead battle planner, will also be posting on the forums in the near future regarding some of the new battle concepts we have planned."

Looking forward to seeing that. Shame it will be Mid-June before things are implemented, but what can you do?