Grinding is only grinding when you aren't having fun doing it; otherwise it's just playing the game.
There's nothing innately wrong with raising the level cap to 60 or with the rate of experience gain 50-60. The problem was that Kunark tried to be a 1-60 expansion with fewer zones than the original 50-capped game world, with the inevitable result being that 50+ and particularly 55+ didn't have a lot of places to go. Excessive repetition within too short a time causes apathy and boredom.
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Everquest was not a particularly difficult game. Indeed, it probably achieved its popularity because it was the easiest game of its kind when it came out. Compare it to cutthroat environments available at the time like Ultime Online with its PvP and item looting and Everquest seems positively safe and friendly by comparison. It only seems difficult now because games have continued growing easier over the years as the market continues attempting to appeal to inexperienced players and non-gamers.
Player vs player combat is more of a challenge (and I enjoy it greatly) but other genres are better-suited to it. Shooters provide an obvious example. My own preference is for MMO-flightsims when I want to fight other players. 350 MPH combat through 720 degrees of motion offers far more tactical diversity than anything you'll encounter in a fantasy game.
Danth
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