I played one character for near seven months. I played at the *most* 10 hours a week. Usually it fell somewhere around 5. I got empowered, I got into the cabal I wanted, I got full induction, and I had fun. I pk'd and got pk'd.

Empowerment - I had three hours on the character and I didn't have to change my damn sleeping schedule to make it happen.

Cabal Induction - I plugged along playing my char and having fun on my own until they had the time to induct me.

Squire to Maran - I'm fairly certain I spent under 10 hours in game as a squire. I'd have to check my logs, but that's what I remember.

I had no problems accomplishing what I wanted, the only thing that I found difficulty with was leveling, and I believe that was mainly because that particular class really doesn't lend itself to being able to power level.

So it is possible to play casually, accomplish what you want, and excel.