I like that the thread creator is leaving this game for Aion, good luck soloing there, you'll need it...

And back on topic, I've found on alternate characters that the leveling system after 1.19 is much harder, whereas I could do leves at high difficulties previously, I now can only do them with the mobs at the same or a slightly higher level than me. I don't think the new system is slow though, by any stretch of the imagination. With exp chains, linking and the fast rate you should in theory be able to kill mobs around your level it's actually much better than previously.

If the TC was really having trouble killing mobs around their level with two friends, I'd suggest that they check what they're doing. Maybe level up some more classes for skills, the first few levels go so quickly and ensure that all their equipped gear is level appropriate.