Is it too late to start Arcane Legends

[Oadriusa]

Hello and warm greetings to all of you

Before i get to the main point, i would like to add a little backstory that should help shed some light on this dilemma i am facing.
I started my sts venture with pocket legends, had a good 3 year run, i still think cinco loco is keeping it running somehow (mad love to you buddy) During my 3 year stay i also played Dark legends/ Star Legends.

I really loved pl but when i got into AL, i played al i decided it wasn't for me, maybe ill give it a shot in future when i have a couple of bucks to spare.

That being said, i'm finally at that point where i don't mind spending a moderate amount on games, however thats really not the point. The main thing that concerns me here is that perhaps now its too late to be competitive in this game.

Now my real question is, can i be competitive at this game if i start now?

1. Spending a moderate amount of money on plat, would that give me enough to be a competitive end game player?
2. How tough is the climb to cap 61?
3. Will this game stay popular enough in the near future?
4. How is life as an f2p?
5. how expensive is it to be competitive in this game?
6. Is it too late to start now? should i wait for another sts mmorpg?

I've tried alot other mmorpgs, even eso but i didn't really enjoy them as much. I've always admired sts art and playstyle that it has tempted me to give this game another shot.
I would really appreciate all comments regarding my queries.

Thank you!