Have they said what time Early Access actually beings?

http://www.swtor.com/user/ce/8hoi0

Hey guys, wondering a move over from my (pretty much) dead guild is worth it. Huge SW nerd but mostly play SI/SW. Any advice on guilds?

Too often all I find are groups that do planned Cantina RP. Anyone here know of any good Sith RP guilds?

My friend wants me to level a char with him and so here I am. I have just finished leveling a Marauder and so am not looking for a PVP alt. I keep hearing alot about how Merc sucks but its mainly talking about PVP and doesnt mention much about leveling and for PVE endgame. Im not too interested in healing either. Essentially is Merc a viable class for leveling DPS-wise or is PT the go to class for everything? (Tree recommendations would be nice too )