Exotic armor can help you get to level 30, but there is a limit to the amount of exotic armor you can where, so that's why you can't get by on Exotic gear alone. LvL 30 is considered end game currently in Destiny. Raiding is end game content. Iron banner is mean to reward people who reach the level cap. You know all of this, obviously. So you wish to obtain the level cap but you also choose to opt out of raiding and IB... So where does this sense of entitlement come from?! Reap what you sow!!!!