I managed to follow the first two points quite well.

Coincidentally, my character was in Black Brush station, not far from the quests. I do have blacksmith and armourer, I may do more if I can. The rewards from the Level 19 quest took my character to Level 24, and so I could continue the main storyline quest outside Gridania. But before that, I could now set up a retainer, based on my characters likeness, and started selling some of my stuff (through Ul'dah), which the players may find useful for their characters.

So anyway, thankyou Niwashi for providing the info.