I'm stuck like the OP and Kalindra. I've got my main guy, Andron, maxed out, and am working on an alt, Fushigi. I've explored around the edges of the island, and I swam into the Kitin forest. Haven't had much luck with the higher level mobs, with the slow cool-down for self heals, I usually get stomped. Especially if there's more than one banging away at me.
On the XP topic: I tend to think that way, i.e. lost XP.

The million dapper goal sounds like a good idea. I'll shoot for that!
See ya around.
Andron
Fushigi