right for my 2 pence thoughts on the game when i played the beta (i didn’t get very far tbh).
first thing there were quite a few people who i saw when playing it,not all the time though/you can still find places where you are alone e.t.c.
as for what i could tell the quests are just as skyrim e.t.c i.e wont force you to do them,so you can indeed bimble off if you want.
i imagine you can get killed also like in skyrim (if you visit certain areas e.t.c where the big monsters e.t.c are partying 😉
i never really levelled up so cannot comment on that aspect i’m afraid,although it was a bit like a cross between skyrim and morrowind menus (items e.t.c).
i haven’t bought the game myself yet (as a bit pricy for me atm/short of funds),BUT would definitely consider buying it one day when i could pay the monthly subs.
i hope that was of some help 🙂