The PVP is not ideal but very fun.
The PVE is the best in the industry and you get a new raid every month and a half about. IE: Storm legion launched nov 15th and the second raid come out on the 12th of decemeber. In chocolate, all the raid content was relevant so I can't see SL being any different.
The game play is very smooth even if the animations aren't. Sometimes people can't tell the difference between the two. This is just WoW with faster content, insane customization, and updated graphics, and less PVP focus.
However, all the opinions in the world are essentially meaningless compared to your own so I am going to send you are recruit a friend code so you can try the game out for yourself (for free). You can also log 3 hours of playing rift on raptr for a free copy of the game and a month free.
edit:
You can get RIFT free, plus 30 days gametime when you log 3 hours of playtime on RIFT lite. All you have to do is run an app on your computer called raptr.
Raptr:
http://raptr.com/
THE OFFER HAD ENDED BUT HAS NOW BEEN RENEWED! 14/12/2012 GET YOUR KEYS QUICK BEFORE THEY GO AGAIN!
Enter the RIFT for free!
REQUIREMENTS:
Amateur or above in Rift
Facebook account connected
Must have recently run the Raptr Desktop App
Resident in eligible country
Verified email address
Discover a dynamic fantasy world where eight primal forces battle for control in the ever-changing landscape of Rift. Starting November 13th, gamers ranked Amateur or above in Rift can earn a free copy of the original RIFT game and 30-days of complimentary game time! This offer can only be used by new RIFT subscribers.
How do you earn a rank in a game without owning it yet, you may ask? Try the free version of the game to begin logging hours as either a noble Guardian or technomagical Defiant and rank up! Once you have reached Newbie or above you may earn this reward!
The 30-days of complimentary game time is only applicable to new RIFT subscribers.
To view the complete rules and a walkthrough on earning this reward, go here.
http://raptr.com/rewards/rift-amateur
-Nykolas
editedit: PS, I have sent you my RAF and I play on deepwood.