Yeah, level 1-99 + Elrianode is essentially just a tutorial (arguably even master up until master class). Catchup Events are capable of putting you to 6m combat power if you engage properly. Leveling is also faster because they made a collection system and it was annoying to engage with that.

Yeah, it used to be a grind just to get to lvl 45 and the dungeons were a struggle solo but i sped through 1 shotting everything it was crazy