Is AoE leveling really that great?

[Paulberios]

I started at 24 in Wetlands and it is doable, but until I got CoC mana pots were a must. I'm still there at 27 mainly because I can't find another camp that isn't overcrowded (Duskwood is a madhouse). The cloth drops are amazing. I capped out FA and Tailoring at 150 for free in 1 level.