As far as the PvE side being easier do you realize the amount of money you need to even do well on that side. However PvP is more free to play, anyone has a chance at getting the blade (or equivalent) anyone can hit other players. You don't have to even xstal to be in the lower tier brackets of the top X players.
This may be true, but for the price of a seal you can get more PvP items, and secure your blade for even more PvP items. Which many clans do, so I wouldn't say it is completely free to play if your in a clan like that.