So, what i have read so far about the game, it seems that its going to be more of an instance-based team shooter, than an actual MMO in the classical sense.

Doesnt that mean that the game would be more or less exactly like Space Marine? Where is the long-term motivation coming from? Where is the motivation for guilds to start playing EC?

Any opinions on this?

My long term motivation is the same as my first day motivation... to have fun.

http://forum.eternalcrusade.com/threads/whats-the-carrot.46354/

My long term motivation is to be here to watch the game evolve from a lobby shooter to an open world massive war experience.

Wow ... you didnt kid about having a LONG term plan in mind

Long term motivation is being able to eventually play as a Black Templar Chaplain or Emperor's Champion. DMO was a game that really grabbed my attention, and when it was changed from MMO to single player I was even more excited, but then THQ went to the big publisher's meeting in the sky...
EC is the chance for us to finally get a great 40k game (DoW being the exception). Space Marine was fun, but overall lacking in fluff and longevity.
Also, seeing the game world and story evolve and grow.

Open world baby

All I'm here for at this point

Well as the question was "long-term motivation?" I answered it in relation to what my view of long-term is.

I'm patient and optimistic that the devs can pull it off.

Now can I assume from your image that you you have a slightly different view of what "long-term" is?

What would be your definition of long-term be then?

It will be more or less like a better version of MAG.

The long term is, the map size and player battle counts, and new factions like Necron, Tau, Sisters of battle, Imperial guard, there should always be something that the game comes out with that players want and will pay for.

Or are we talking personal long-term motivation to play?

Cause on that I don't know what motivates people to play some types of game, me personally I want to shoot Hu'man scum with my Plasma Rifles, marker light some medic as he runs over to get people back into the fight just as the missile turns him into a black and red stain on the earth.

Will I get that maybe, then again maybe not, then again eB may get my money they may not, all depends on how close the game gets to the TT, even if some things have to re-interpreted to make sense from a TT game into a FPS game and during that they get tweeked so that the ability works well in concert with the other weapons or abilities that unit has, everything must feel as much 40K for the great wallet god to open up and let the green paper flow out.