You can level up quickly with a pirate and not be cheating. I just wanted to see how much I could if I focused on that alone for two days. I leveled up to 21 in two days. Granted it is easier with a low level.
I just played smart, no quests except to unlock weapons and teleportation. Kept attacks weak and changed up weapons, used alot of tonics. When I got each new weapon quickly ran it up to level 8.
When doll was unlocked I did not leave Cuba until I had cure. Then I attuned multiple targets until Life drain.
All pirates deserve the benefit of the doubt. There are pirates that work hard too make leaderboards and level without using glitches. You never really know who is on that account, what they do and how much time they are online.
All level 50 pirates out there CONGRATULATIONS, I hope to join your ranks someday.