Norseman

I solo roam in WvW pretty consistently, and that's what I did in DAoC also. Nope it's not what the intent of the game's designers is. But I enjoy it as do many others. I think, in a 1v1 view, that the classes are pretty balanced. You have to pay attention and understand each classes playstyle and strengths and weaknesses. For example, thieves are OP if you're not paying attention or one gets the jump on you while you're busy fighting someone else. But if I see one coming and prevent the initial spike, they have to run away or die.

Anyway the point is, you can run solo if that is what you enjoy. The one thing that has changed over the years is respect for solo'ers. Back in the dark ages when we were playing DAoC, if players saw a 1v1, we just ran by and left them to do their thing. These days if a 1v1 is spotted it's gonna get steamrolled. So it is more of a challenge to get a good 1v1 and actually have time to finish it without getting rolled.

More revealing is that I have yet to stumble on one from the enemy...

Well seeing as this is the pvp forum, you don't have to main anything since gear is free. For wvw, I faced the same choice and ended up maining both. Solo the mesmer is a bit more effective for me, so it depends on your playstyle.

Nothing really because I change my builds too often. Especially with class changes that make some builds obsolete and others improved. I have commitment-phobia.

Because every other game in existence is designed around the farm mobs for XP model. Be glad for something different and more interesting.