1000% this. Unless you are pulling gigantic groups to the point that you are just dying and the Azerite bubble/heals would save you (in which case, literally just pull a mob or two less), you will never get enough power from Azerite traits to overcome the 30% less you need to do to level.
Better off getting to 120, doing some WQs and buying some crafted gear to kick off decent WQ gear and getting Azerite gear that way.