Lol thanks for the explanation but I've played my fair share of MMOs.
It just seems that compared to other MMOs or similar games (Borderlands, Warframe) the content is focused more on grinding than new locations. Grinding is always present in MMOs but this just seems like a bad balance of the two. Again, just a Beta so we really don't know, but I said I was hoping for more than 5 missions per planet (with 1 explore). That's what I meant by "going back" to Earth, as in, new locations get unlocked on the other side of the planet or something.
The only "side missions" are in explore but hopefully once again there is a lot more variety (so far none) and some unique drops otherwise it's really not worth it, it's just fetching quests. Why grind fetching quests with the level cap if there is no incentive? You could just go play missions or MP and level up or grind that way.
Oh, and some people will like the MP I'm sure, but a lot of things need to get fixed before it is deemed competitive. Personally, I would much rather play a balanced competitive FPS than one that is not. Therefore, it seems PvP will not get that much play time from me.
In conclusion, we don't know anything because it's just the beta and everything can change. However, with the hints so far, I'd rather not take the risk to keep it preordered. This might seem great to most players who haven't played a lot of MMOs, but when you've played most of them and other similar games, it just won't cut it (keeping the preorder, I mean). Opinions opinions. If it gets good reviews from a few specific friends then I'll pick it up but we'll see.