I used to play PvP servers but the older I got the less I wanted to deal with the drama. I only play PvE servers now. I do enjoy the environment of RP servers and when I have rolled on them I am extremely respectful of the RP but I have never played a game where the RP rules are enforced 100% and it ends up with people being disruptive to just be disruptive.
The best RP server I ever played on was one in Shadowbane. I joined a guild that was all Irekei, they had their own language and culture that you had to follow. It really added to the depth and environment of the game. Very immersive.
Regarding types of servers, Joppa mentioned in the recent community stream that he had fun playing on Sullon Zek (deity-team based PVP server). I didn‘t know he played on there and I thought that was totally awesome. I had a ton of fun on that server too. So.. I realize Pantheon is focused on PVE/RP, but I think a team-based PVP server along the lore of Pantheon would be great.
MMMO's that try to please both PvE and PvP fans end up with class mechanics so watered down that you might as well not have classes at all.
It would probably be better for Pantheon to focus on the PvE and let PvP be an afterthought without balance and little dev attention. As long as you let the playerbase know ahead of time that is what is going on they will support it. And some PvP players will love it.
I love PvP but have never really found a game that does both PvE and PvP well.
I am not an RP fan, and I don't like PvP with one exception, I absolutely love dueling. Beating someone at their optimum when they are fully prepared is much more enticing to me than ganking or double+ teaming someone. I imagine only surviving those scenarios would interest me on the PvP side. Please include /duel (and /d (for donate) for that old disconnect joke for beggars).
There was a time I liked PvP (used to play on some Perm-Death PvP MUDs/MUSHs), but I find I have no desire to do such these days. Different time, different folks and I have different standards that are incompatible.
So PVE without question.
I avoided Black Desert because I understand that it has mandatory pvp - you can't stay unflagged when you want to go about your business harvesting or questing. Unless I am confusing it with one of the other newer MMOs. But if I get a new computer and new monitor - which I am overdue for - I may try the game until Pantheon comes out. It is supposed to be pretty.