this is what drew me to perfect world BEFORE it went cash shop crazy, is that there was a story quest line leading to each new hub, and an instance tha gave you access to your next tier of skills and upgrades to ones you currently had. each of the stories were wonderfully crafted, and or involved bosses that you could fight with friends and allies.

one of my favorite quest lines was for choosing which side of light or darkness you wanted to be part of, you investigated the corruption and rebellions of the god of thunder, or the demon lord of fire depending on which side you picked, and eventually went to where the beings they originally sealed away are, to do battle and destroy them and their corruption.

one of my favorite dungeons was called seat of torment in the celestial world, and it just evoked a feeling of dread upon entry.

regardless, also on the side, @ level 60 you could start doing story based dungeons to farm materials for crafting gear, to learn about the ancient twilight empire, and the story was deep and pragmatic, always a blast.

in any case, i agree with OP, as it brought me joy in one of my old favorite MMOs of all time. there was no rush to cap, and an adventure along the way.