If I think from the position of a new player, then my issues were still about the grinding for gold, and not really about grinding for leveling up faster. Correct me, if my past discussions suggests otherwise.
My views haven't changed about the grinding even now, as an experienced player.
I even recall a few members having a similar view.
Still, if the developers feel it's worth putting the time and efforts on early levels, then I will wholeheartedly suppprt it.
But, the practical outcome of those little additional missions in early levels don't suggest to me that the situation of grinding is really getting eliminated or reduced significantly, but the issue becomes far more noticeable at levels 20 or 24 onwards IMO
EDIT
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Regarding a couple of questions asked by the OP.
This is really difficult to point out. I'll share my views in 2 parts:We know that the starter area needs some new quests but we are unsure of the exact levels people normally complete the current quests but are too weak to get new ones and have to resort to grinding.
1. Strictly speaking in terms of adding more quests, be it simple errands or inter connected series of quests, then it is dependent on the CHOICE of areas that benefit from more lore, or interaction with the world. All the starting areas are good in number of quests, thus anyone can benefit. No area seems dull at this point.
My suggestion would be the surrounding parts outside the starting areas, like the nearby forests, the road house at the bottom, and other similar inhabited ones where no quests are currently tasked to NPCs here. That'd be a great addition!
2. Strictly in terms of grinding - I have a clear view that all areas are manageable, irrespective of the levels. Nothing us difficult that a player under L20, or even L15 can't handle with some strategy.
My suggestion is to increase the opportunities to earn gold by adding quests that are infinite type in nature. Like the NPC who deals in buying izthiel claws, the potion merchant, etc. These quests should be difficult to prevent exploit of getting more gold in early levels. Perhaps, L15+ or 20+ is a sweet spot to allow access to these quests.
BUT, please, don't be reluctant to provide a higher returns for each single run. 100 Gold each time I complete the NPC's demand seems nice!