After playing a bard in beta P4, and then in commercial up to
level 13, I decided I needed a break.

Just for the thrill of it, I joined Rallos Zek (PvP). During the
peak times, this server is near the top, but right near the
bottom during off-times.
As for crowded newbie areas, I have seen none of that problem
around Oggok (Ogre home town).

And my personal opinion is that you must be PvP to role-play
correctly. Of course, our definitions of role-playing may
differ, and you are free to disagree (may start an interesting
thread on just what is role-playing).

I also find that a good number of people I have encountered are
role-playing to a certain degree. Not all-out hell-for-leather
role playing, but not just acting themselves, either.

I guess it is easier to role play an Ogre eg.
I'm out of food and water, going to town to get some.
vs
Me hungry. Get food. You want?

Rocket