I think I've played 80% of the MMOs worth talking about out there (SWTOR, WoW, RIFT, Guildwars, etc). I maxed out characters in every game and ended up getting bored eventually. Anyway, I'm really into PvE with a bit of PvP here and there and wondering if this game is worth the 20G download. I've read around that the game population is low but slowly growing/coming back. I think my biggest pet peeve is a game with no player base for the reason of finding groups for content and other things. Is it hard to find people to do things? Is it a big grind? or a hub to hub quest kind of deal?

It's almost impossible to find a group but the game is definitely worth checking out though. The world is fun to explore and you cant possibly see it all. if you can see it you can go there.

       It is difficult to find groups in Vanguard because of its abominable launch. The game is based around quest hubs but many aren't connected with each other. Many of the main dungeons and side dungeons have their own quest lines as well (usually exclusive to the dungeon but sometimes you need to do some surrounding quests near or in the adjacent quest hub to receive the main line). Vanguard is completely a PvE game so don't go into it expecting ANY PvP; it's just not there. Maxinga character in Vanguard is probably more challenging than any of the games you listed so you may still have some fun with it regardless of your prior mmo experience.

OP,Vanguard is hard to sum up in some respects it's stunning,in others it drives u bonkers the isle trial to me is a mistake by the devs,because the Isle is so basic in design compared to the stunning starter areas so a new player as to make a choice to sub to get off the Isle and experience one of the best virtual worlds ever.

I just wish SOE would make it free till at least 20 so new players can get to the mainland and then decide because it really is up to them in the end,my advice get to lvl10 get the uber Isle gear which is awesome sub and try the the game on the mainland as it's a million times better on the mainland in all aspects.

Then decide but once u find a good guild,and sample some of the 8000 odd quests,the rich tapestry of the lore and the world,the stunning and best designed craft system ever devised,Diplomacy which i reallly am crap at  the myriad of options in character builds and traits and so on well i expect u get my drift 

I would be subscribed to it right now, if there was even a hint of PvP to be found. However, Like people have stated above, there is none. PvE is great, though. While playing I never had trouble finding a group. The classes are diverse. Crafting is amazing, if you like to be involved with it rather than just watching a bar move. Good game for anyone who likes PvE.

If you like an immersive (understatement) world to completely sink away into, then this is the game for you. Getting a group may be a little difficult at first but after making some friends and joining a newb-friendly guild it's really not all that impossible. When in doubt, ALWAYS try vanguard - I know I was in doubt to try it but I didn't regret it for one second

Positives

Open World

3 Sphere's- Crafting levels, Adventuring levels, Diplomacy levels

Mobs arent facerollers

Crafting system

Faction systems

Negatives

Population lower

Still a themepark with quests from 2007

Chunk-lag   aka.  zone-crossing lag

Some unpopulated/underdeveloped areas

I paused the download after the first couple replies because I was iffy, but after hearing some more I might resume it and give it a go. The population is a killer for me.. it's just too bad that the reason these good games drop in subs is because things aren't handed to them like they are in other games.. cough.. you know which one.

Trust me, as someone that played Vanguard from launch and for a long time after, the reason the game's pop is so low isnt due to the game not handing everything to people lol.

I've been in VG since beta on/off also.

Compared to many current MMOs VG definitely does not give away everything that players want.  The daily quest "epics" and easily obtained high end gear in most games are not given out here.

Granted, the reindeer is a nice handout a few months every year.