Ignoring most other posts as I won't waste my time reading those, I just can voice my opinion, by saying that the current system is fine right now. Maybe there is a need to change the xp system but I even prefer this over the xp system before.
I see that there is no need of skill to level up. Only the time is important. That means that even casual players have the same chance as skilled players (casual in this case means "less skilled", though casual usually also means spending less time) to level up.
I prefer having no hard cap but actually a soft cap which is possible to be reached, level 31/32. Level 31 is possible to reach in about 2 weeks with some hours a day and some luck as well (x2, x3).
Not sure why you would limit the cap to a certain level, e.g. 31 as there are many, especially hybrid builds, not being "finished" at those levels yet. Also making looms not giving any real stats would destroy my need to retire anymore. If its just about the looks I wouldn't retire..
Skill does also mean more than 1 , 2 levels.