The first time going through, and a couple toons later, while most recommended stv at 28/29, I found I was really too low, or at least if I'd have been over 30, it would have been easier. This was the old system. Now xp is given at login :P But I found doing some quests out in like desolace or stonetalon mountains area helped bridge the gap. On one toon, fairly recently, I hadn't even had the stv flight path, and I was zooming past 40 and 50. So for those who hate STV, you can avoid it, desolace, and now theramore is a huge quest ring. 1000 needles has some that help level too. If you can get about 1/2 a level in instances, I think you'll come out ahead, depending on your loot policy. I think I'll prolly build up some rest and farm for a week on my mains, to help with mat grinding for my 5 team.