The "pay to win" is similar to the style of EVE - you can buy "premium" with money or in-game currency (which is incredibly incredibly easy, I've played for a week and I bought 6 months premium in-game already) which makes you learn a little faster and gather a little faster. You can play completely without it and be fine (and several do, as they spend their currency on other stuff). Nothing in premium is exclusive.

Think of it like implants in EVE that increase your learning rate (or if you remember oldschool UO, it'd be like a small learning/gathering bonus).

If you also get the lowest package ($25) you can upgrade later to the higher one if you want (I will be). In 7 days, I have almost 1.8 days played.... it's a fucking blast.