Getting thru the CoP storyline is not nearly as bad as it used to be. I finally did it myself recently and did the majority of the storyline (from chapter 4 onward) in about 3 days. All the bcnm battles were a joke with bought spark gear, including the final fight as a 99 rdm. I went into it not knowing how easy it would be to solo and I think I only had to recast stoneskin once during the final boss. The storyline is really enjoyable too, and another reason to do it.