Can the PvE portion of the game be soloed for the most part if I wish to? I'm saying most of it, not all of it though I'm aware, it's an MMO, so obviously getting a party and playing with others has to play its part for bosses. But I'm referring to most quests and perhaps a few bosses maybe? Basically can I "complete" the story-line(s) mostly alone?
You can and are supposed to complete the main class and world story arcs solo + companion. Though there are "heroic" group quests along the way, these are all self-contained side challenges, not central to the main plot.
The flashpoints have their own plot arc that shows you a wider/alternate perspective, and you'll want to play the main ones as well (the one from the fleet to the cap world, the two in the mid-30s, and the two on Ilum). But again, it's a separate arc, and you don't need to step into any at all if you don't want.
J-Money said:
I think you argued the reverse of his point. He said the PVE gear isn't as good for PVP, you then countered by saying PVP gear is good for PVE.
Nope. I'm saying PvP gear utterly dominates PvP.
The whole warzone setup is supposed to be more skill-based than gear-based. Expertise doesn't level the playing field -- the other stats already do that. What it does do is make it absurdly hard to do well unless both you and your team are geared in as much Champion/Battlemaster stuff as your opposition. Even vs. tier PvE-geared players the PvP gear folks will have a significant advantage, but vs. a regular-geared player the difference is utterly ridiculous.
Tomorrow's patch will hide this in the level 50 bracket, but all it will mean is that you have to pile up Champion bags before you hit 50 or you'll be toast (unless you have a strong team to carry you).
Expertise was a late addition to the game, and it's both unnecessary and contrary to the spirit of the rest.