I may assure you that there're literally thousands of players (including myself) who aren't interested in beta participation and waiting for the final release. Judging player numbers based on some random beta calculations is so wrong.
Beta test in any MMORPG is always a gank-fiesta (because for many players it's fun to kill people for the luls without any consequences), what would you expect? Wait for the final release and it will be an absolutely different game experience for you.
If we're talking about "realistic game", it shouldn't be possible to swim on long distances on a horse in full gear and with back-pack stacked with loot. That's what boats should be intended for.
I hope game will be released soon, but on the other hand I guess that devs want it be as polished as possible by the launch day, so my bet is that release will happen in about 5-6 months from now.
Are you expecting guards to attack him? It's not Ultima Online. But when flagging will be in game, everyone around will know that he's "red" and they may kill him without any consequences.