Neither is M+ the only path to gearing up, nor do yo need to be 226 to beat all the content in the game. Playing the game for ilvl is the wrong reason. You're always going to chase that carrot. Items are a tool that help you achieve your goals. Get keystone master, get aotc, get cutting edge, reach gladiator, push your rio score higher, etc. Personal goals where you push yourself. Playing only for the sake of gear getting slightly better is just another form of doing chores.