Games borrow proven ideas and expand upon them, WoW included. These are standard RGP elements, and in no way is Tera worse off for having them.

I suppose I'll try it with a new character first, just to make sure I don't break anything.

Quick question: Is this possible?
If not, could I theoretically just transfer my character to a different server where I make sure my name is already taken, thereby forcing me to change it?