There also are tons of apps on the app store (iphone) if you wanna use them. They also have things like farming mats runs etc.
I started playing after HoT launched, i played back in 2012 when it launched but i didn't like it so i quit. I'd suggest doing exactly what you are doing. The map completions/personal story is what i did all the way up to 80 and it helped me get materials to be able to get my crafting up. I'd suggest also crafting up to max level with all the mats you get running around. You can get around 10 levels just crafting. You also are able to make ascended gear once you hit max level (best in slot) which is nice.
From what leaks/what Mike said on his last forum post they are shooting for 3-6 months after the next personal story, and the next personal story is like July/August. So i'd assume around Q4 somewhere, but October/November is what most are predicting as it's 2 years from HoTs and the leakers said the devs wanna go to a 2 year expansion cycle.
Map completion is arguably the strongest part of the game, mix in some dungeons and or endgame events and that is it, more or less. Of course, if you like PvP, do that, but GW2 doesn't really reward hardcore players like WoW.
I mean it's the same as legendary armor/ascended gear so i'd say that it's pretty fair, although it is still pretty ridiculous. I'm expecting a nerf sometime soon.
That's like the first rule of game system design - never give people new stuff automatically for free. If somebody has been grinding for 6 months, they can go a bit further.
I still wish GW2 had a Hero's Ascent/Hall of Heroes mode like GW1. That was my addiction 10yrs ago.
