Despite Trion's few ups and downs, it looks like Rift has a bright future ahead if they stay on track.
I'm not happy with the current game client's current performance state, but I am hoping these changes will come soon enough. On every other level, Trion seem to be listening and I am impressed.
As an experiment for:
how the game feels for new F2P players - in grind, etc.
as an EU player who has experienced my share of lag - testing the US servers
experience the changes to zones/quests since I levelled my first 3 toons
to share my experience as a guide for new players
to experience what it feels like to be "a Guardian"
to test the time to level from 1~50
to compare/test the time to level from 50~60 since the nerf
to see how much plat I can get from 1~60
to learn how to tank again
to learn a bit more about the warrior class
I have am levelling a warrior on Hailol from scratch on a completely brand new Free-2-Play account so I have no advantages.
I will also be imposing these restrictions on myself:
not be selecting any professions - except maybe gathering - will see how it goes.
not be using the Auction House as there is a "1,500 loyalty gate"
not be using any add-ons
setting the game to "Ultra" as I play - no more, no less.
setting the UI to default
diversifying levelling doing Rifts, Invasions, Quests, IA,etc
limiting my time played per week and logging off in a city
I will be devoting 2~3 hours per week/per session on this and recording it in segments of 45 minutes to an hour.
See you in-game
the Wocky
edit: 3 hours in and level 10.5 or so - Just entered Argent Glade quest hub. busy editing sound, etc...
to clarify: the experiment? to experience the game as a F2P player - to do a real-world, live test to see how hard it is to level without XP pots & buffs to 60, how long to unlock 1500 loyalty, acquire items and gear up without using the cash shop, etc, test the performance of EU vs US and the other things mentioned in OP.