So... more on the side of what Defiance is doing? with upgrades to your gear stats rather than your own?
(maybe analogy is poor but cant think of any solid example atm)
Not really, Defiance system has vertical progression. Things get better and stronger.
Official information on Ember is: "
Progression is horizontal, opening up more options and abilities and gameplay. "
Horizontal progression means we wont be getting stronger/better stats and gear.
Instead we will be unlocking new options and various side grades.
Whether or not XP will be something used to gain those is or if it will rely solely on gathering resources is still undecided.
Grummz hasn't nailed down all of those decisions yet.