I feel like I am advancing quickly, and accomplishing a lot each day that I play.
I'm actually enjoying it. I haven't logged an alt since I hit 80 with my HoX, I'm just having too much fun in Khitai.
I get MoA's so fast that I don't worry about spending some extras to get different sets of gear, or whatever.
IMO, it doesn't feel like a "grind" at all...just feels like I have stuff to do, which is a good thing.