If memory serves me correctly, no. People complained about the fact that there was no honor weapons and that pve was still so good for gearing that it made pvp the second choice. That’s it. There was no major issue with people having multiple characters and thus, needing to gear fast. Plus, we where used to the slow progression of the game overall. Blizzard decided to change many things about the game simply to attract more people = casual players.
You can. Craft your pvp gear or buy it. It couldn’t be easier.
But if with “jump into pvp” you mean “be fully geared” you are mixing up two different things.
I do. 1 hour a day, 9 days. I use more of my time in a week to cook meals or walk the dog.