My portfolio:
I have a lvl 42 Ice/Ice blaster on Guardian server.
My playing hours are normally between 4AM and 7AM EST. A difficult time to find groups.
I'm 51 years old, retired military and prefer not to group with immature (actions not age) players.
I have only grouped 4 times on 6 characters and died every time thru less than capable hands, not excluding my own.
I seldom die while soloing.
Hence, I prefer to solo. Save the flames until you start paying my monthly charge.
Currently I have 3 active missions, all having an Archvillain to deal with. Chance of success = Zero.
I could wait for 4 levels as I did with Envoy of Shadows but that was not in keeping with the 'solo playability' touted when I purchased COH. I could recruit some level 50's ... seems too akin to cheating even if I could find them during my hours of gameplay.
My choice then is to grind away at street crowds to advance.
Moral of my story:
This is not the solo game it was advertised to be unless AV's are removed or downsized.