To answer your question about not being able to post on the officail forums...you can't do that until you register an actual EQ2 game, which means actually buying one...sucks I know :( If you were planning on this being your first MMO, you might want to consider playing WoW first. I played WoW for a year and a half, and I find it more noob friendly then EQ2. It is easier to level, the crafting interface is easier, and dungeons (at low levels that is) are less time intensive. That being said, I find EQ2 very fun, and am glad I tried it. There are more choices for race and classes (24 EQ2 classes, 9 for WoW) and the story line is more there. By that I mean that EQ2 quests all contribute to the lore, and you can really define yourself as good or evil. That brings up the point that WoW really has no "sides." There is the Alliance and the Horde, but they are not necesarily good vs. evil. I hope this info helps, and leep asking questions! Also, check out the sticky above for more new player info.
P.S. You might also want to consider LOTRO for a first MMO
Edited, Jul 9th 2007 6:33pm by Atrum