Final Beta Thoughts from a Marksman Snob

[Sword_of_Doom]

I've had it from multiple and what I'd consider reliable sources that the experience in the Beta is currently identical to what it will be for Live launch. While it wasn't a grind, it was a significant chunk of time. If Blizz does play with the exp gain/level rates, I doubt it'll be much more than what it currently is.

I have heard much the same.

I got my beta key in mid-December and i got to 70 in 9 days. That was playing 10 hours a day approximately. So i would guess it took me 95 or so hours to hit 70. I also levelled up my First Aid, Cooking, Enchanting and Alchemy at the same time (maxed First Aid 375, Cooking 375, Enchanting 350 and Alchemy 350). My fishing is still a sorry 232 so i did not try fishing at all, lol.

My current goal is to try to do all the attunement quests for Mt. Hyjal. I am curious as to how long it is going to take. I probably will run out of time before it goes live but i am going to give it it a try.

As i have said in other threads, the Rep is not a GRIND. Its easy and very attainable. I have hit revered with 2 of the 4 main faction/rep requirements for Mt. Hyjal attunement and i have 2 Heroic mode keys. I am also very close to completing my Karazhan key. I imagine i am going to have most of the 5 man instance requirements done in a month of beta play. The only thing left will be the raid instances which i probably will not have the chance to do or time.

Beta is a lot of fun and has really revitalized my interest in the game. Its not a raid or die philosophy as there is almost triple the current 5 man instances and you can also do them in heroic mode. There will be plenty to do for all playstyles for a longer time then the old Wow offered. As i have said before i foresee a major winner here and its already evidenced by the huge queues most realms are experiencing (i guess people are coming back to prepare for the x-pac).

One more thing:
The epic mount cost me 6000 gold in total and its worth every copper. You will never use a flightpath again, you fly in a straight line and it totally removes the tedium of travel ( i hate travel time in old WoW). I have spent hours just exploring and uncovering the map. There is some neat little encampments and such throughout the Outlands only accessible by air.

Gold is easy to obtain and i would venture to say acquiring an epic flying mount is equivalent to what it took to get an epic mount in old WoW. All i can say is its well worth it:)