1) Is there going to be a skill cap?

From prior experience in MMOs (from UO -> current), I've found that games that don't force players to specialize to some degree end up just coming down to who has the most time.

2) Viability of dedicated crafters?

Is there a reason for a player to focus a majority of their time on being a crafter/merchant? Yes this is a type of gameplay that many find enjoyable. Will they have any advantages to crafting, or will folks that have top combat skills be able to obtain the same level of production.

3) Guild longevity.

What types of game related activities will there be to keep guilds coming back day after day? Too many MMOs recently seem to fade quickly after the 3 month point.

I'll leave it at that for now Thanks in advance to any community members that can assist. Even bigger thanks to any developer that wants to chime in on these!

YES YES AND YES

Proof? More detailed explanation? Anything?

they haven't hit on any specifics about your questions.