Unlocking Heavensward

[Youkulm]

Actually, the quests only give about 20-30k EXP each. Doing all of them, and the dungeons, barely puts a dent in your EXP from 50-51.

I don't know what you did but between doing story on my alt and running level 50 roulette everyday I was nearly 55 by the time I reached HW lol. Again story is not your only concern once you reach 50.

I find ignoring everything just to reach HW so you don't have all your tools available to you on your journey to 60 and once you reach 60 a mistake.. but maybe that's just me.

Edit: and yes they did increase the amount of EXP you get from the quests in one of the patches.

[Ayuhra]

Just do it. The story is really good and there are characters who come up again who will be hugely important come Heavensward. If story really does mean nothing look at it more practically. They redid the awards for those quests to give you gear that will help you out a LOT as you start in on HW content.

[Lunaxia]

What?! There's more story and content in the game for you to enjoy after ARR before getting to the expansion pack?

Those bastards!