Hey Shockgasm, I’m also a returning player that nearly only plays PVP, but I kinda knew what I was getting into too. Just resubbed because of free time due to COVID, but I also read all the stuff that needs to go into being PVP viable and decided not to touch my max-level characters.
Instead, I’m leveling my first Horde character and leveling up entirely via BGs. I think it’s pretty fun. If you want any pointers, I made a post and consolidated some info about it here: Leveling Via BGs for Fun PVP
To the best of my knowledge, the only PVP announcements for SL have been the return of PVP vendors, and a new Arena map. And it seems like there will be these covenant (and probably additional systems) grinds. This does not make me optimistic about SL; thankfully I haven’t preordered.