I am another one thats on board with Vanguard. While it was total crap in Beta during most stages, it really turned a 180 in the last month of development, never seen anything like it. I have played EQ, DAoC, EQ2, WoW, etc and this game has serious potential. Its fun, the world is HUGE. I don't understand why people are really griping about instances when there is so much to spread out and explore. The grouping is good, but there is many classes that can solo just fine. In fact, its been shown people are progressing faster solo killing yellow/red two dot mobs than grouping.
I think many people that tried out the game in beta got a bad taste in their mouth, I was one of them. If you can get ahold of one of the 10 day free passes floating out there, give it a try again.
When you can, build you own boat (which is not on rails), build and own your own house (which is not instanced). Crafting and diplomacy which will shape how player cities interact eventually as the communities mature. The world is beautiful, combat is fun with a variety of classes. I just don't get all the nerd hate it has received. Is it buggy? yes, are they fixing things yes. Give it a month or two and it should be pretty polished and communities a bit more cohesive.
Brad posted they have surpassed 100k subscriptions, which is a pleasant surprise for the negativity that has surrounded the beta.
Anyway, not everyones cup of tea, WoW is the McDonald's of MMO's to me, may taste good, doesn't fill you up and has a shallow menu.