Leveling is way to fast. Should be about 20% slower so you can complete quest lines on a planet/do a flashpoint or two between planets, and maybe a PvP battle or two a day.

The only part of the OP's point I agree with is that some instanced areas seem unnecessary. I understand wanting to alleviate new players not having enough womp rats in the noob garden, but mid-game it is very sad.

^^^^^

Agreed. The exp should be about 20% lower yield. When you reach late 20's, and you need to do Tantooine and Alderan, you are going to be doing all green/grey quests if you complete Tantooine.