Inexplicable urge to red amidst growing trepidation

[Weltmacht]

I've become quite taken with the idea of playing here of late, but given what i've seen (as a fairly impartial and completely ignorant third party) over the past week or two, i can't help but question how prudent the decision to play here might be-- this game simply takes far too much time to accomplish anything, and i'd rather not end up among a dozen or two remaining players by the time i solo my cleric to sixty.

I'm really interested in group/guild pvp, as open world skirmishes over limited resources sound like a lot of fun. My question is, though, are those types of things the exception or the rule?

Regarding class/race: i'm assuming clerics are wanted/needed, but are there many opportunities to distinguish oneself from others through skilled play? I ask because i can't help but cringe at the thought of simply being one among many, which is how i feel on blue, however unfortunate/possibly irrational.

Assuming cleric, are there any racial standouts? I've always liked dark elves for their pve options (snare is something, after all). Gnomes for disease cloud neck sounds like a swell idea for pvp, too.

P.S. i am likely terrible at eq pvp but my proverbial body is ready-- to learn, if nothing else. Thanks for likely some small percentage of your replies!

Xoxo,
The Macht