After finally getting into the GW2 beta..

If you are implying this logic is with before TOR was launched, I must disagree. TOR was followed by a large group of players for years and the preception for what the game was going to be was not the same as what it turned out to be. A good example would be the crafting in TOR. The developers said it would not be as in depth as SWG, but would be better than WoW's is. And when you watched the videos of it before launch it certainly looked that way. But afterwards, you found out that was a joke. If anything WoW's is better.

Another example would be your choices would make a dynamic difference in your game world in TOR. Another one which in reality it made no difference at all in the outcome of the char's story. Only in light side and dark side points and companion relationships. And really...what benefit is there to be Light or Dark sided in alignment? I mean you can even turn off the Sith corruption.
Many of those who followed the game for years have left for reasons the game did not turn out as it was advertised.
One thing I will give credit to Arena Net is...they are pretty upfront with the features of GW2.

It has been stated that it won't be providing it for now. Does not mean they won't be doing it after release or in next expac. Plus the game may not have gear treadmills as in getting stats but there are treadmills for cosmetics therefore I can easily foresee cash shop on items even if it's just for cosmetics only. That actually gives them more of a reason to implement it in the future.

The whole point of SWTOR is to have the best leveling experience while playing the game that is possible in an mmo! They have stated that from the beginning! The whole darn game is the endgame here...why don't people get that!? It's an experience..not just "lol...game begins at 50 scrub" mmo. It's an actual experience!

So I read the wiki wrong, still doesn't mean that there won't be any cash shop transactions. Btw there are some cash shop transactions in GW2 already. Things that increases crafting boost, experience boost and even cosmetic items. Do you think they're going to stop there? Nah. Of course not. They'll implement more in the future.

Looks like all I can hope for is the hard core PVP'ers here leave for GW2....

This. And I hope the F2P crowd join them.

Skill based? There's 5 buttons.

Saying SWTOR is better than GW2 isnt saying much.

You're talking about two crappy games

Actually there are 10. You also have a huge selection of skills to choose from. So your build counts in the skill department. Combat is reactive. You need to watch what the player or npc is doing and try to actually dodge and avoid the attacks. You are held more accountable for your self. Although I prefer trinity roles... later game combat in GW2 is actually pretty skillful ... even with only "5 buttons"

yes, thats what the cash shops are ... cosmetic and fluff items. Thats all it will ever be. There is nothing wrong with that IMO. Im sure there will be the standard extra character slots , extra bank space, server transfers and things of that sort as well. Nothing wrong with any of that. The game has to make money somewhere. Considering that you can play the entire game on just buying the box and never touching the cash shop... thats a pretty fantastic bargin.

The point was that you wont be paying to win ... like buying the sword of eternal truth or whatever the hell it was called... so to speak. Many people sit here and say its a pay to win shop and that ... it will never be.