Actually no, the minions can be acquired from Exploration XIV, so only 383 gathering is still required, so far there's no evidence that Exploration XV gives a higher chance to get the minions.

The main difference is the other items you can get from Exploration XIV vs XV which are usually irrelevant, and quick ventures.

As far as it goes from quick ventures it seems like anything you could get with the 2.3 requirement can still be got without increasing your stats (everything up to the new dyes) though the new items + increased chance to get rare drops will need the 2.4 requirement, basically upgrading gear is only worth it for quick ventures.