I am hopeful the devs are learning from other games mistakes and taking their time getting stability down (Mortal Online) before moving on. They have a rare chance and are in a good position to see what not to do.
I am sure they are watching other sandbox games such as Wurm, MO and Darkfall and taking away the pros and cons. If I have any advice for them, not that they need it I would go off my two principles when I was a producer.
1. K.I.S.S. Method-Keep it simple stupid
2. Good writers copy, great writers steal (must understand meaning)
The reason I believe they are on the right path is the features list. We all say that the list is everything we ever wanted in an MMO. It's all about building a better mouse trap. As an indie company they don't have investors such as Cryptics' Atari breathing down their neck wanting the game (STO)to be released before it's done, or SV with Mortal Online biting off more than they could possible chew. This is a good thing. Being small has its advantages, the fall to the ground is shorter so you can pick yourself back up and keep moving where as compared to a giant (not so much anymore) like Cryptic who has to watch their step because the slightest tumble can ruin everything.
They will avoid the usual fate of MMO's and over time grow their subscription base just as Eve has done. Before you can run you have to learn to crawl. They are taking very small baby steps and so far from what I have seen and heard, it is paying off.