eventually have some form of paid character customization

Microtransactions that only apply to aesthetics? Fine with me. Keeps the guys who didn't really intend to make a pink-haired Gnome happy, whilst not really giving them a proper in-game benefit above us all. Bit confused as to why they're charging for it, though; microtransactions are usually used for indie, grinding Korean MMOs that need the money from any outlet they can get it - Blizz are bloody rolling it in already.

ome names tossed around included Deathwing or even the Dark Titan, Sargeras - but there was "no shortage of ideas" at Blizzard, said Brack. They'd even introduced a new group of baddies in WoW itself with the Old Gods - who will be playing a larger role in Northrend.

Of course the problem with these bigger baddies is, 'Where the Hell have they been for the past four years!?' This is why your prediction about the Emerald Dream works from earlier, John: Because we can assume that the Nightmare is trapped there, but is still able to cause a severe amount of havoc against the druids. Its power is restrictive, but will still do well for a level 90 encounter. Now, with Deathwing the Black Dragonflight are actively helping out against the Scourge in Northrend, and it is implied that they're not wholly evil (especially if Deathwing is being entrapped by the Reds anyway). Sarggy? Well, he's the Legion leader, but is still yet to make an appearance years after TBC. Besides, if Kil'J went down so easily, then who's to say Sargeras will be that much harder?