Overall to the post and questions asked. Yes and No. Things like extraction may not be messed with, as Henrik mentioned some things will get changed somewhat, though most materials will remain the same.
When it comes to new players. They may bring in ways to learn how to make steel with missions saying things like " we need x y and z for steel, would you collect these for us?" Then a player learning how to mine, extract, and refine will be taught as you meet the teachers of those general actions. A player then would test what each rock break down is to and fill the order of x y and z.
I see this being a way for new players to learn to make simple combinations, while keeping the end all crafted items a hidden for the vets of MO1, but still giving new players a hand.
As for gear, it went from 10 to 5 already. It's fine imo, as a crafter who enjoys specializing gear for peoples builds. Would make it something new to work on because crafting will be slightly changed. I would assume this for weapons too when it comes to how much material to used. Also jewelry crafting will have it's own place as well as enhancements and enchantments. Which havent been messed with too much sense it was pushed out in MO1 quite fast.
When it comes to the vet vs noobie race. Anyone starting in alpha will have some what of a head start compared to others. This in turn makes vets knowledge of the map and how to create things will be minor if a new player sticks through alpha. Not to mention lots of vets will be back to help new players and this will effect the game for the better. We all know Steam release was doomed by reds becuase of their flagging system wasn't set up well(imo). Though players who enjoyed the game and invited others who enjoyed similar games, stuck around for awhile.
I feel this will come around more this time as people will be able to interact with Empires and regions, not just players. Truely giving you reason to stay in an area or terrorize one. Which will bring vets and new players together, not so much a race to the top. But maybe a race to build the biggest army. I can see Vets who love combat share info to new players they have in their guild to produce something they cant or dont have enough of. One character per account allows this the opportunity for vets to specialize how they like, also makes them show new players how to achieve good items while it benefiting the vet.
-Phen