HardReset.9304

Hello you guys, We are four players, that just started playing a few months ago.We have already finished or main campaign and looked into some dungeons, wvw etc. Now we are in the story of "Heart of Thorns" and (no offense) its a bit tedious.Do we HAVE to play through it? Should we gear up before that? (Still have our lvl 80 gear)What would you guys suggest. Thank you in advance!