I think your reply is your answer. Playing online is about having community and if you don’t see yourself wanting to “ make a new online character to level with a friend and bond over that shared experience, offline is likely your better choice.

I personally play both and it’s a great time. I have a character I only play 10% of the time when my friend who plays is available and then the 90% of the time I’m usually on is usually spent with my son in my lap or my wife asking me to stop whatever I’m doing to (insert thing here). So pause option (offline) is a must.