I mean realistically with the power spikes of essences and artifact power unlocks you really can’t just not do WQs etc.
Like yes you can, but you put yourself at a severe disadvantage from doing so.
Raids and Mythic + don’t supply the AP that you need to attain a reasonable artifact level.
In 8.3 of you don’t grind invasions you don’t get the resources to do visions, and if you don’t do visions you can’t upgrade your cloak, and the cloak is required to get reasonable upgrades through the lottery system as well as affecting some raid encounters significantly in the Nyalotha.
Sure you are going to be at a bit of a disadvantage against someone who grinds savage gladiator in classic, but if you have cadaverous armour or even deadthdealers breastplate you aren’t that bad off.
Not compared to the 1-2 extra essence slots with rank 3 essences and items with rng 8% crit damage modifier.