Very often you will read a few forum discussions where this topic is debated. Many people will say:

"It takes no skill to push buttons repeatedly in the same sequence."

For many games, this is true. But, in games like World of Warcraft, skill is definetly a factor.

First let's look at the definition of skill:

"Proficiency, facility, or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training or experience. See Synonyms at ability."

The word that I want to highlight in this description is dexterity. Keyboard dexterity is one of the most important aspects of pvp skill. In many encounters, every second counts. If you are slightly slower than you opponent, then you lose. Many skills for most classes require skill and TIMING to be effective.

The next aspect of skill I would like to discuss is strategy. Many veteran pvpers spend enormous amounts of time reading forums, checking websites, dueling, trying new techniques, and everything else necessary to gain an edge on their opponent. There are several things you can do to seperate yourself from the rest:

Setup macros
Use the mouse to select skills as LITTLE as you can. It only increases your reaction time. Bind the skills on your action bar to individual keys on the keyboard.
Don't stop moving. If you stop moving, then people like myself will continously hit you in the back.
Never move backwards. You move much slower when you back-up...Just use strafe and turn the camera to the direction you would like to go.
Duel as often as you can. Who cares if you lose? Try to learn everything you can from each battle. Keep in mind that controlled duels are different than Battleground or World Pvp.
Use everything you have to your advantage. Poison, pots, bandages, etc. Try not to use pots too much though. It makes you look really bad if you use a potions(pots) and STILL lose.
Practice, Practice, and Practice some more. Try to fight the people on your server who are known as the best. Even if you lose everytime, you will eventually find out the strategies they use to win. Check your combat log to see what they did exactly. Find out what gear they are wearing, their talent builds, and why it is effective in certain situations. Many people love to talk about their talent builds and gear to show off.. Use this against them! :)
Develop a strategy to obtain the best gear possible. Bite your teeth and quest if you have to. Just do whatever it takes.

Many people will continue to believe there isn't any skill involved in MMORPGs. Anyone who is serious about pvp will tell you this is definetly not the case. You can easily spot the difference betweeen someone who has spent time honing their skills and someone who hasn't. You would be suprised to find out the number of mages I have killed. Many think a rogue with low health is an easy target. As they sit their and cast their extremely slow fireball, I sprint towards them and kick them. *Gasp* Many will sit their in amazement as their health is depleted, wondering why their fireball didn't shoot.. Why? Not enough rogues use kick or other abilities to save thier lives. Just an example.. :)

I definetly wouldn't claim to be the best on my server. I've only been playing for a very short time(15 days played time). But, during this time I've learned an enormous amount. Many skills and techniques carry over from different games. Even some of the unintended techniques.. ;)

Until next time, keep killing, keep grinding, and stop worrying about which games take more skill than the others. Aiming a gun is not the only skill required for video games.