I started doing the MSQ that took me to some beachside town, where I'm fighting some level 80 giant turtles along the beach.
It's not that I don't want to do any of the MSQ, but not really for the story, just as a means to an end as you've all mentioned... and at least nowadays, if I understand correctly, I can do the "forced grouping" parts with NPCs who won't be a$$ hats towards me even if a wipe is my fault, lol.