If you are leveling, consider doing the Ixal quests, or at least the turn-ins, and the related challenges in the challenge log. Leves are good as well, but once you hit 50 all non-HW leves give worthless experience.

As for the gear, the top level 50 gear is more or less equivalent to level 53-55 gear in HW. but it should be much easier to get the HW stuff, and move on from there, as you can get stuff much more easily than the turn-ins for gear that is, ultimately, outdated. Be sure to pick up the master books eventually, however.