If world pvp is relatively dead, you can still take a group and go to an opposing city.

Or if that is too hard, pick a nearby smaller town and clear flight masters etc.., which will attract a smaller number of higher levels based on the chat from the lowbies.

If you're on a server with a couple of other boxers... well two or three 5-box teams, can really be nasty in the opposing auction house or whatever.
Even if you die repeatedly, it will inspire them to do the same.
And over time, you get the world pvp rekindled.

The 80-85 process might be rather linear.
But the gear upgrade is monumentally huge.
And the level up process does not take that long.
Which is a major plus.