Not sure what the issue is. If you are interested in story, play the story. There’s no reason to rush to 70. The content is not going to disappear any time soon (although I wonder about Eureka).

If you are not, there’s a story skip. Yes, it costs money, but you are bypassing much of the progression system the game has.

OP’s friend wants to skip to max level but still experience story? What’s the rush? OP can level sync and play with their friend.