I'm level 60 in this set but HQ and I still can't do HQ above 51 without RnG.
It's pure gear check now and we are under geared by design. It's why mandatory penta melding and 30 step rotations is the 60 solution.
Not to sound super negative (though it's hard) but leveling is actually pretty easy. Most go the way of leve the same as pre 50 but the leveling is in collectibles crafting. If you look at the amount needed for turn in on the quality bar, consider the exper you get just for turning it in, you will see you can get between 60 and 150K plus the 20K you get for making it, on an item you only got true 40% of the quality bar on. 1600 out of 3800 for a 51 I believe? It might sound strange but I actually grew numb to the fail. It seems to be what they want us to do.