Leveling is much faster now. I also played ARR to death when it came out.
Just for reference, by the time I finished SB I was already level 80. And that's doing the msq, most of the side quests, a few dozen fates, and a few dozen roulettes.
I never really felt 'gated'. I was, with very few exceptions, usually over the level required to continue.
And I agree, ARR was boring. HW is so much better.