You can still find groups that EXP in the original 3 zones, though, so I guess it will be alright for getting to cap. However, the 2nd Abyssea is needed for 3/5 AF3 pieces, and the third one is needed for the final 2.
FakeKirby just bought his Tier IV spells. He's pretty excited about them, but still really needs to get some AF3+1 completed, and his SCH and BLM subjobs leveled.