You can make the same argument for PVE. Rift, Aion, lotro I dont consider a pvp game it's pve with pvp added in. I would hardly call DAOC a failed MMO it was quite successful for it's time. Games to be successful now a days need to have a balance approach between pve and pvp. However it seems most games focus on PVE and add some warzones than advertise it as PVP. PVP has to be more than just a couple warzones, their needs to purpose and incentive (No I don't mean gear).
Some posts say it's the communities fault open world has failed in this game. I wonder how many people would queue for warzones if incentives could only be earned in open field pvp.