Been browsing the posts on PvP for the last few hours and it looks like theres alotta skepticism over it. While I have no way to back up any statement concerning ff14s pvp (heck, me not even in beta), simply have to implore newcomers to give it a try at least!
FF11 was my first experience to pvp via ballista. While it kinda seems i'm in the 1% group vs the 99% that thought it was a disaster, I must say, in the end, it became my #1 motivation to play. I reason like this: You get that brand new armor you've really been working for, gorgeous stats and all. You finally get that amazing sword drop, the one with +200% crit/ added fx: instant death up 79%. So what do ya do then, just stand around in town and look cute with it? Hell no, ya put it to use! And what better way then via PvP? (Ye have not lived until ye have crushed the life out of that sweet little tarutaru next to you!)
Saw some of Yoshi's words as well as posters concerns for mages short lifespans in PvP as well. Can't comment on the larger battles, but 4-4wise, again, you may be surprised. With the right spells, mages in 11 became pretty much indestructable. PvP forces you to evolve that way, puts a fire under yer tush and makes ya advance. I'm a pvp-crackaddict so don't put too much stock in my opinion (was consistantly getting up at 3 and 4am for the JP matches) but the comrads (I won't use the word friends since youre gonna be killin em >:D) you make and the fun you'll have'll be worth it. Granted its not for everyone, no and by GOD you're gonna get raped in ways not ment for the physical body, but me implore ya, give it a try!