Yes! Subscribed for 3 months.

I'm 42, and went Empire. Republic side is just boring (Yeah, I tried it!)

Unchecked abilities are unused by your companion by default. Just check them and test Companions get new abilities with levels, you don't need to buy them like you do with your class skills. List of companion abilities, what they do and when companions get them you can find on Torhead, Darthater and other info sites.

Game cards are already on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Republic-Time-Card/dp/B006FAZ12Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1324027965&sr=8-2

07.27.2011 not in yet

It's the place where you enter your "retail" code, one you get in the game box