Most negative reviews are from people who do not understand what this game is trying to offer.
This is not a WoW clone, or Guildwars 2 kind of game..
The game is not dead.
The majority of pvp is not on the starter worlds, because they are just that... Starter worlds. A place to learn the game, and level up your gear and crafting disciplines - Then once you have a bit of experience and knowledge you can progress to the dregs worlds.
Anyone who says the game is dead, hasn't spent any time in dregs..
This is a game that focuses on team play, and long term goals.
There is no instant gratification here kiddo's..!! Stick to WoW if you want the normal stale MMO experience.
If you want some true depth, and something you need to wrap your mind around - stick around Crowfall for longer than 20 hours, and you will begin to scratch the surface of what it has to offer.
And, if your guild is "just sitting around and crafting" .. Don't blame the game - find a better guild!