I think the concern some share is the possible negligence towards rp without the char apps in place.
But are char apps needed to have an rp environment? In the NWN version, possibly because everyone is on the same shard.
In the MMO there will be a very clear divide between the RP shard and the more lenient open one. To put diffrent types of gamer mentality into each environment they feel more comfortable with.
The problem with char apps in the skill based system is who has to be approved? Everyone that wants to get skill points in spellpraying for instance? Checking every player what kind of skills he's improving after being approved would be very tough. You can learn almost any base skill at any time.
Just my personal thoughts on the subject anywho.
In any case, Layonara is about role playing and we will make every effort for people to enjoy their time rp-ing.