It is very possible to go from 1-280 with minimal grinding. I won’t argue with you on this because no matter what anyone tells you, it won’t change your mind. It’s apparent that you don’t want to be wrong.
There’s been a few post lately that have said “Hey, you can get to 280 w/o party grinding!” and even though I know your complaint is about not having the groups to play with in, this, “dead game” as you called it. (It’s not.) Then make your own. I cannot seriously believe you are the only high lvl character on your server and no one wants to group.
Lastly; why the rush anyways. Farm mats for gear, do your dailies ect. There’s Millions of EXP there w/o really even needing to try.