Be aware that until you have actually played the game yourself you still can't base your decisions on what other people say.

I also heard horrible tales of 'grind' and pain and suffering. I'm almost at L25 and have loved every minute.

WoW and games like it have conditioned us to sprint to the end goal ignoring everything in our path.

With Aion I took the time to experience everything at my pace. I spent hours crafting, which was fun and also gives you XP. I walked around and explored. I met groups and helped other people with quests. I read the quest text that everyone ignores and really enjoyed it.

I was actually leveling up so fast form every random thing I did that I simply didn't notice a grind. Maybe there is a monstrous and painful grind after 25, but I've experienced nothing like it before that.

Take a step back. Meet some folks in game. Talk, learn and explore. Just play the game for the fun of playing it right now, not because you need to get somewhere else right this minute and chances are you'll enjoy yourself immensely.