I was just wondering if DSotSC was worth giving a go?
Also are there any really high XP quests in BG that aren' elevant to the story- keep hearing about people who max out their entire party before killing Sarevok - whereas I'm 60,000XP of 180,000.
Any help would be appreciated

Well the max XP you can get is 161.000 if you have TOTSC installed. There are a lot of quests with much xp to be earned to you don't actually HAVE to do to get to Sarevok's lair. My experience is that if you do them all, you will definetely be level out when you face your half-bro.

About DSOTSC. I am still finishing it, and my opinion so far is that you will like it if you don't put your expectations to high. I mean TEAMBG put a lot of work into it, but it stays a mod. I'd say; just give it a try if I were you.

darkside's not too bad.when i played bg the first time,i maxed out before i got to baldur's gate.