I think I see what you mean, but for me I do feel like I am playing my character, just not experiencing much of the game outside my character.
Having my warlock group and auto follow my level 80 hunter through a dungeon feels more like not playing my character. I am quite literally not playing. =P

For me:
fast-tracking != playing my character

When using a guide, I’m not playing my character the way I normally do. The things I do aren’t what I choose, the way I play isn’t how I choose, etc. Know what I mean? If it’s a character I like playing, fast-tracking just means missing out on a lot of what makes playing that character fun. Of course, for me that also applies to raiding.

Not saying I didn’t use guides. I just used them for characters I didn’t particularly enjoy playing, like Priests and Warriors. =)

All the friends are level 80, eh?

I really dont mind fast tracking through most of these areas, since I have played most of them already. My goal really is to play with friends who are all level 80.