My son plays WoW and continually trys to get me 'into the game'.  Ironically, I started him off in WarcraftII for the PS2.  I expected he would like it.  I don't know much about WoW, but WarcraftII was a pretty cool strategy game.  
I suppose there is some of that element in AH.  However, I am not one to go there.  I fly as a F4U combat pilot.  That's my thing.  Although, the 27th fighter squadron flying P38's is closer to home.  The P38, while not uber, was an impressive aircraft.
I highly recommend starting out in the game (again) in the training arena (TA).  
Regards,
Malta
p.s. If someone offers me something 'free', I'll take it.  Call that a character flaw.  Many of my 'type' have it.