Pretty much the same as PLEX in Eve. If that was p2w for you, then this will be p2w for you too.
Actually come to think of it, it's worse in the regard that gold prices have an impact on the game. The lower the conversion rate of gold to silver drops below 1:5000 the higher the global discount on repairs, travel, islands etc.
Albion has "skill injectors" too. There are tradeable tomes with which, if you were to spend enough money on it, you could almost max your character.
Keep in mind I'm just trying to paint you a picture here, so you can decide whether it fits for you. I'd still recommend trying Albion. It's a small install and free to try after all.