The key is probably to find a large and active guild, then find a regular team to run FPs with. I'm personally like the other posters above me and mostly just play it for the story experience and an altoholic.
If it is the character gear progression that concerns you, then you can join up on the numerous groups that are formed for operations or the world boss runs. You will get a good amount of commendations that is required to purchase the high end gear.
According to the blog post a bit earlier, they are going to revamp the rewards to offer more decorations and such from scaled FPs / Old operations and that might entice more players to sign up for more group content.