Like I said in the bigger discussion thread, level boosting potions are practically industry standard now. WoW, LOTRO, swtor, GW2 (although just one included with expansion, can't buy from shop afaik), and Wildstar all have them, just to name a few games. MMORPGs tend to add these after a few years because the barrier to entry becomes too high for new players who want to join their friends, and long time players burn out from doing the same grind multiple times on alts.

I fully understand not liking them, but you aren't required to buy them. You and your friends can keep tackling the game at your own pace and enjoy the ride. This should have no bearing on your experience with the game at all.