I had planned on doing the side content. Especially since if you don’t quest chains really mess you up later on. The way I approach games is usually I take care of main matters, and then tackle the side stuff. I really enjoy the side content, I love local stories, smaller sort of focus on individuals. I am not trying to ignore anything the game has to offer, its just a total wreck on how I approach RPGs.
Gating it behind rep is IMO a bad idea, people by nature rush to circumvent gating of what they want. Side content is supposed to be side content, making it mandatory for the main content dilutes the side contents impact and enjoyment. Time gating seems better, for story stuff. That way, side content is there to fall back on as you wait.