It's quite interesting - when AoC came out (despite the false promises and technical issues etc) there wasn't much else to benchmark it against, save for triple-a titles.

Now, after having had time to sample a bunch of other not-so-wonderful MMO's, I find that AoC holds up extremely well amongst it's peers.

@Clockwork:
Solude is correct - hop on Wiccana for optional RP (which is lots of fun given the setting), and I wouldn't worry about PvP. I've leveled multiple toons and PvP'd about twice.. ever. =)