New Player Asking About Content Progress

So I’ve recently gotten into the game despite people talking a lot of trash about for the time it’s ever been out. Having been a WoW player for so many years, there are just a few habits that I have that I’m not sure if it makes approaching this game enjoyable.

So I mainly want to know that even though the content seems like it’s meant to be enjoyed and taken in as a RPG, but I don’t want to suffer being too behind once I hit the max level. Especially with so many expansions seemingly all treated as current content (which is great), it’s hard to decipher what priority should this be done in.

For example is doing all of Summerset a must so I can acquire relevant gear at max or should I divert my time to the vanilla zones. This also doesn’t consider the vast amount of abilities that seem to be locked behind this said content.

I just want to be sure that no matter what on my journey to max that I can embrace the story but without handicapping myself. Any tips or general pointers would be great. I appreciate this new community I want to be in :)