Question from an old/ and possibly returning player!!

[KappaKing]

Greetings Ladies and Gents,

I used to play RO about 8 years ago but after playing APB for long time decided to check back the status of this game which I once loved to play. Thus, I have questions for you guys before I decide to re-invest time on this game.

Originally I quit because of the mindless and ridiculous amounts of grinding needed. I am a harcore pvper. I've played warhammer online, Aion etc and I absolutely hate PvE. So Here are my questions:

1) Would I still need to mindlessly grind on mobs to level up so that I may get to pvp? How long would it take me to reach max level in order to start enjoying pvp with a group?

2) Is this game gear dependent? FOR EXAMPLE: At high rank, will someone with orange gear get beaten by someone in purple gear despite the guy in orange having better skill sets and tactics?

3)Is this game pay to win? I know there is a cash shop, but does it give you a significant advantage against others or is it all cosmetics? For example, does everyone get a basic mount? if not, I would see that as an unfair advantage as the people who payed real money for a mount have greater speed while the other have to walk. I.E. catching up to enemy or getting to location X before them etc

4) How is the community in game? the Clans? Leets vs Casual gamers?

5) If i decide to join, which server would I go to? which side? Any side that is the underdog? if so why?
Also, which class? I seem to like barbarian so far but 8 years ago i used to play KNIGHT. If my knight is on a spanish or german server and I would like to bring him on a english server, would this be possible? ( I forgot where he was stationed)


Thank you for taking time to read and answering! Looking forward to join a game and community that loves RVR and PVP !!
See you all soon, MAYBE xoxox
Myth.