I started playing May 2007. I rolled a Human warrior because I didn't realize what I was doing and that sounded like the most "normal" character in the game. I think I did the same thing you did when I went from Ellwynn to Westfall...I was waiting to cross the bridge because I was scared! :P I also had defense gear on my dps warrior, dpsing with a shield and 1hander, not really using stances or talent points in any organized way. I try to think back now as to when things started to click. I look back at screen shots of my character I had taken years ago and I look at the gear and talents/abilities on my bars and it always seems wrong! lol Running around Kara in defense stance with a two hand mace??!! Anyways, it was probably towards the end of BC and beginning of Wrath where I started reading websites and watching videos and caring a little more about contributing to my guild. Since then, I now at least know how to play appropriately in order to help out a guild/raid/party. :)

I remember when I first took my NE to IF I was scared about crossing the wetlands, because it was neutral. I had thought would mean I would constantly be attacked by high leveled horde.