If you don't like pvp, then WoE isn't for you since it's all pvp.
The class system is pretty good. I haven't played much for mmos besides RO, so I can't compare. You start out as a universal starting class known as Novice. After that you can chose a first class from, Swordsman, Acolyte, merchant, thief, mage, or archer. After that, those classes branch into 2 higher classess (Swordsman > Knight or Cursader, Acolyte > Priest or Monk, etc.) Then, at max level you transcend and basically start over but with more power and and skills. Once you reach max level for a second time then you can go to 3rd class (example: novice>swordsman>knight>high novice>high swordsman>lord knight>run knight) Or you can go an alternate route and go from novice to an expanded class which doesn't have the normal progression of higher classes. Or you can stay a novice.
Grinding is the main way to level. There are various hunting style quests that help speed up the grind. There are also story quests which have good stories to them, but they can be complex and require huge item hunts. I think most people do them just for the fun or to gain access to certain areas since the exp rewards for them aren't all that great.
etc. etc.? there are weird people, just hang around the are south of the main city of Prontera and you will meet them.