One of the things I really like about GW2 is being a n00b isn't really an issue. There's so much to do at any level, leveling itself is pretty decent speed-wise, and the community as a whole is remarkably good about answering any questions in map chat. Occasionally you get a troll in chat, but Anet has been really good about weeding those out. The last unpleasant person I dealt with was during a Halloween event - the guy had targeted how I play my mesmer and was just a complete jerk. This was part of a pretty large zerg, and once the rest of the group caught on, they all just blasted him from every direction. It's a great feeling to know the community has your back like that, even though it's rarely needed.
I've been in the game since the start, but I'm also super-casual and still have 3 80s, 2 in the 60s and 1 in the 20s. Right now I'm taking my main, that 80 mesmer, and going for map complete. This means I'm spending all my time in lower levels, but the tasks are all still fun. You are leveled down to the map you're on, and while it's still easier than if you were level appropriate, if you don't pay attention you can still die, so it's not all easy mode. It's also kind of nice to be able to help the actual lower levels when you see them struggling.
As others have said, there's no pay to win, the cash shop is mostly boosts, pets, armors and costumes. I, personally, have a giant addiction to purty things, so I tend to get a lot of cash items, but it is 100% optional. You buy cash shop items with gems, which can be purchased with real money, or you can buy gems with the gold you earn in-game, so everyone has a chance to shop.
As far as WvW goes, I don't really do it much. I'm not a big pvp'er, but the couple of times I've actually managed to be on when we're doing guild stuff in there, it HAS been fun. Unfortunately, most events are not held at times where I can really attend, so I miss out. Oh! Except for Rylssa's map clear events, which are on the weekends. She runs them at different map levels and spends about 3 hours clearing the map to help people advance, gather resources and get skill traits. She does a fab job with those and I definitely recommend those if you decide to play. They're on the website calendar.
Ok, talked enough :-p. I say give it a shot, you'll have fun with us!
Edited: Had to change my numbers, my non-80s were higher level than I thought! Come say hi in-game :)
Aeleldra - Norn Ranger (80)
Aeleldren - Sylvari Elementalist (63)Aelineah - Human Mesmer (80)
Aerincal - Human Guardian (80)
Faaeral Baaz - Asura Engineer (64)
Gaeran Shadesmasher - Char Necromancer (26)
If it has an AE in the name, it's probably me :)
» Edited on: 2014-11-28 20:11:00