This poll highlights perfectly FD's problem. It's an almost 50 per cent split (albeit a small sample size). between wanting guilds and not wanting it. Whatever they do is never going to please at least 50 per cent of the player base. That is a big challenge to the longevity of the game.
Not really. If you can put this in the game without adversely affecting those who don't want it, the opposing 50% will suck it up. A common misconception with these polls is that you need a majority to demonstrate demand. This is a game, not a democracy. What percentage of players currently play PP properly? More than 50% How about how many players currently play for minor factions? 50%?
The challenge to the longevity of the game is finding out what causes players who left to do so. Although, with current traffic levels, I don't think ED needs to worry about longevity as long as they keep up with the same level of development.