If you're looking for a new and/or improved wow, wait some more.
Playing Rift was going to hold me over until I could start playing SW TOR and bridge that waiting gap. I was expecing new, and in some cases it delivered. The grouping and mechanics are primo. Where the game lacks is in its artwork. In no way is this game going to keep you awake playing throughout the night like others have. It has a taste of blandness similar to EQ and Warhammer (WAR wasn't even that bad, Rift is worse though). It's hard to be origional in the genre, and I found myself wishing they had things wow had to make the game more playable. Many times I'd go somewhere and be lost and waiting to be led down another path... which never came.
YES, the game is more for adults than wow and it shouldn't hold your hand. But if the game is going to claim ease of use and the ability to jump on play, and jump off instead of grinding, then it should be more user friendly.
Having said that, the game is a success, you won't be alone playing it, and it isn't a grind competition. There is plenty of content, but be aware, the appeal won't last long unless you bring friends and some beer.
Good luck, Die hard.