PinCushion

ANet's goal was to make an MMO that was so approachable and innovative that it would draw in non-MMO players.  While they have made a great product that I thoroughly enjoy, I don't think they've really succeeded in breaking into any new markets.  PvE is not involved enough to really draw in customers from other, more developed, PvE centric games (i.e. WoW).  sPvP and tPvP is not fleshed out enough to draw in people from established titles (i.e. LoL).  WvW is a success only because there's no other title really competing for this that can be taken seriously, but it's growing stale.

I disagree with most of the OP's linked review.  It doesn't really resonate with me at all.  However, I think ANet is missing the mark in a lot of markets.  I don't think it's too late, but it's getting there.

I agree, though...you could just voluntarily pay them $15/month for gems and convert them to gold.

I currently just give them $10/month because farming stuff is boring.  I don't play these games to grind gold, and since my job involves market/pricing work I really don't feel like coming home to do more of it in a game.  I sell my gems, take my 6-10g (depending on the day), and enjoy all the extra time I just bought to WvW or whatever.

I figure in 3-6 months I'll have my legendary, if I decide to craft it, without having to grind my face off for all the T6 mats.  Now, I'll have PAID A-Net about $60 bucks for this convenience.  In my opinion, it's worth it.

Edit: I don't mind this arrangement because it's a $5/mo savings over my other favorite MMO, and it's completely under my control when and if it happens.  I don't expect a good product to be free, but I enjoy the fact that I can skip as many months as I want without any loss of features or function.

Try PVPing with one.  You either die because you came up against someone that counters you very well (mesmers are good for this), or you win....eventually.

A necro can spec pretty well for support, though.  AoE blind, cripple, weakness, and chill on demand.  AoE heals, protection, and regen.  Condition transfers and cures.

That said, doing damage isn't their strong suit.  I never found a reason to build for support because I've never run into a PUG that knew what the heck it was or how to use it.  I've actually had multiple players in multiple groups dodge OUT of my wells!  LOL!  So, I just spec to be pretty tanky and use lots of CC and control.  It works ok, but the damage is meh.

You're looking for a warrior.  Probably Rifle.

Big numbers.  Cool armor.  Low CDs.  Fast kills.  No downtime.

Can't be kited easily.  Squishy, but not that squishy because you're in plate and hit like a truck at range.

No pets.  No minions.  No stupid kit swapping.  No turrets.  No gimmicky mechanics.

Just shooting at stuff, then pressing F1 to shoot it harder.

Guy with gun guy.  All the flashy skills are on classes that are a PITA.