As to not break NDA, let's just discuss Bioware's previous sci-fi RPG efforts: KotoR and the Mass Effect series.
Those games had branching dialogue, much like SWTOR does, so I'm sure everyone has experienced this system before and know mainly what to expect from it. That being the case, do you feel that such a feature is a help or hindrance to a MMO, and do you feel that this strong story focus in SWTOR sets it apart from other MMOs?
In my opinion, I could imagine that some players may be pushed into a single player experience because of such a strong story element AND the ability to use companions. In WoW for example, the story always seemed more in the background. Your main goal in WoW was to get max level to participate in Raids and PVP to get loot. It appears that SWTOR's focus isn't so much the destination, but the journey. Almost like your character is in a movie, and your story has a beginning, middle, and an end.
Its going to be interesting to see how the MMO crowd handles that aspect, and how Bioware balances everything out as some guilds push for end-game content, while other players sit back and sniff the roses.