I have been doing the same thing I've been doing for every expansion. Between roulettes, the MSQ, exploring the zones, getting 6 FATEs done per zone, the Role and +Quests and the various Exp Boni* I was ahead of the MSQ all the way to 80 without touching a single Sidequest.
It certainly helped that I incidentally completed the PvE and FATE part of the weekly agenda twice but I can't say I've been hurting for Exp at any point.
The one sidequest I did do was at level 80 to get a second ring.

*rested Exp, food, rank 2 of the FC buff and the Earrings for sub-71 content specifically