My reaction to the concept of no character levels put forward in the upcoming Secret World MMORPG and to the (negitive) reactions by other gamers to this concept:

Brilliant damnit! Not the only way to go but a very good direction indeed. Removing the leveling and the amount of attention that it requires will by itself make the game a different breed of MMORPG. You know how it's always said that a great story is key to a great game, and usually it's the major pull factor of a new game. In my opinion, as far as MMOs go the main pull has always been Leveling and the story is just the means to do so (if players even care half the time). I mean, what do developers do when the create a new expansion? Increase the level cap, right? Yeah sure they put a new story arc and maybe a new boss or two but i Guarantee if they put all that in with no new level cap how many maxed players are gonna sign up for that new tour?
Just because there is no leveling system doesn't mean there is nothing to work towards guys. Mr. Tørnquist said the game is skill based which could mean you can learn a skill and through combat improve it's power and stats and eventually master it.
I'm really excited about this game. I love the modern setting idea. The MMORPG genre is one of my favorites and i love innovations that make a title stand out. I don't see the no levels thing as an MMO minus something, to me it's a whole new feature and a significant innovation that could well push the genre in a promising new direction.