I'm not aware of a leveling guide these days. That say, however, just enjoy everything below max level. Its usually not that difficult and you can get help by asking in chat. You can read guides at http://dulfy.net which will give you an idea where your class is headed...when those abilities are learned. It'll probably take a few days/weeks to get aligned with 5.0.

Unfortunately yes...no more token vendors for PVE set pieces. New expansion quickly gives you 220+ green so may not be that big a deal.

You could also run a lot of Heroics for the Alliance crates. Turning those crates in frequently got my Legacy gear...some of which even looks good.

I've also found logging completely out of the game and then back in fixes a lot of 'glitches' like that.

I found the easiest way was playing through the starter planet on each class on different servers. Only about 1hr each for 20CC each. You can go 1 step further by killing all bosses in Black Talon and Esseles FPs...get a mount as well. I personally found this website helpful...I did no work investigating, just plugging their site because it was helpful. http://www.constantwarfare.com/swtorfree An except from it: Achievements That Reward Cartel Coins Certain Achievements also grant free Cartel Coins. They don’t offer a lot each (20-30), but there are 880 Cartel Coins available from the following achievements: Flashpoint Master: Complete all normal mode flashpoints. Flashpoint Master (Hard Mode): Complete all hard mode flashpoints. Ironed Out: Defeat all bosses in The Esseles flashpoint (Normal). Taloned: Defeat all bosses in the Black Talon flashpoint (Normal). Friendly: Social rank 1. Coordinator: Social rank 3. Guide: Social rank 5. Champion: Valor rank 50. Leaving Hutta: Finish all story missions for the Agent on Hutta. Sponsorship: Finish all story missions for the Bounty Hunter on Hutta. A Map for the Future: Finish all story missions for the Sith Inquistor on Korriban. The Final Trial: Finish all story missions for the Sith Warrior on Korriban. Chasing Skavak: Finish all story missions for the Smuggler on Ord Mantell. New Assignment: Finish all story missions for the Trooper on Ord Mantell. The Forge: Finish all story missions for the Jedi Consular on Tython. Weapon of the Jedi: Finish all story missions for the Jedi Knight on Tython. Chapter 1: Class: Completed chapter 1. Chapter 2: Class: Completed chapter 2. Chapter 3: Class: Completed chapter 3. Warzone Neophyte: Play 10 Warzones. Warzone Veteran: Play 50 Warzones. Warzone Expert: Play 100 Warzones. Fleet Admiral: Play 1000 GSF games.

I was never able to level past 60 (always stopped 1xp away from level 61) on a 7day Friends pass. You can do OPs and unlimited FPs/WZs but can't get the higher levels or those abilities. I've also had random luck with using 7day Friends passes and getting the current SUB bonuses. I got Nico but not the Speeder per say. One of the reasons I spent my 60day SUB card the other week: Oct Visla companion, Nov Walker Mount, and finally full access to level 70...though I'll loose the ability to gain gear when SUB runs out...at least I've got decent level 65 set gear.

In case anyone needs, here's the link for Server Status http://www.swtor.com/server-status

You'll also get a few Recovered Relics and Manaan Research Data for completing those flashpoints solo. You can use those to buy some Legacy Gear (if you like those looks) or my favorite - the Fira Sword/Staff!

I am a casual pvper myself and found you tube videos that helped. I personally liked Wizbasky. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJOJnY4FekQXakw5h79hJ0A/playlists He narrates and has pop-up tips the whole video that tell you what he was thinking and why. Much better than some that just show the player fighting in the warzone (I am not good enough to know which abilities were being used at any given time). Watch the opening description as you enter the pvp match. Most have objectives beyond just killing the other team: capturing a node or scoring with the hutt ball. Ask questions if you're not sure what you should be doing - probably best before the match starts or after it ends. You may get a few "unhelpful" comments from time to time, but most people I've met have been friendly or easy to put on my Ignore list. Stick with your team mates and communicate. Running off on your own is not something you should try unless you're a masochist or really know what your class is capable of. Let your teammates know what you see. If you're on your own and get killed by 3+ of the enemy team, call for help. You may still die but the rest of your team should be able to use that info and attack somewhere else (because it's less defended). Finally, don't be afraid to run away. Run around a corner to break line of sight, run towards your teammates so they can help. If the enemy doesn't follow, take some time to heal back up and then get back in the mix. You may also find a new spot on the map with a heal or damage buff that just might save the day next time. ____________________________________________________________________________________