Yes, I honestly believe that.
While you are technically correct that leveling = growth (of course?), I have been playing this game for the better part of 8 years now. I agree with you that leveling USED TO BE important. Back when you were stuck at level 50 for 2 months trying to get AF quests and stuff like that. Getting max level is no longer an accomplishment, its a requirement.
I would argue that the game does not even begin until you hit 75(99). I do not find mass killing dolls in Altepa fun. I DO find killing super godz and ultra dragonz; busting your ass off, while having fun and earning gear fun.
This game does not exist in a vacuum, it is an MMO. To not compare yourself to other people is insane, and when I compare myself I want to be the best I can be. Mentally its pleasing, but I also like being able to help my buddies better and not just be an anchor they complain about in /tells. To me at least.
I suppose there could be people who like standing in the same place for hours doing the exact same thing, that is just not me. And to be honest, I feel bad for those people. For the people who never experience what this game truely has to offer, and think that xping is actually the fun part, well... uh.... "broaden your horizons"?
