Got into a debate with an FC mate about future story content. The FC mate thinks everyone MUST have the best gear, so raiding is a must in order to progress whatever future story/expansion comes out for the game.

However, given the current MMO market, I disagree. This game seems to cater to the casuals who want some challenge, and the hardcore. And given that all current MMO's on the market don't require people be hardcore raiders to continue the story of their game when an expansion comes out, I'd like a definitive answer.

Do we have to run coil and such, and get the best gear when new story content comes out?

Also, is running the primal HM's story intros required to progress the story?

Thanks in advance.