If i start playing this game again i think i won't stop for 3-4 months !! OMG nooo !
The leveling is ok, but try to find someone to help you or to lvl you up (try joining a guild they will help you (if they aren't "bad guys")
Unless you are a high leveled is way to hard to make money for new players, but you can do quests that give u exp and money. Afther u ganed some lvl and money go buy a ship and go find some treasure or go try to find some ship wrecks, from witch you can salvage some expensive stuff.
To bad its a paying game but if you work hard you'll make some money and buy all the stuff you need from other players. Have funn !
P.S.
The new Dragon is freaking cool !!!