I have played Runescape and it is very addictive. Everything you mentioned is true. I have played Everquest and I saw many similarities with Runescape except that Everquest charges a monthly fee and their video quality is exceptional.
My nephew has played a game called America's Army. I don't know much about it but he compares it to Battlefield 1942. It is also free and he says you need to complete Basic Training before you can actually enter the real game. Itsounds like a cool idea. I may try it out.
Val