So it took a while. I got CoP long long ago but did nothing with it really because I was a lowbie. When I was around level 50 I made a point of getting my Promyvions done so I could go to Phomiuna Aqueducts and get my awesome JSE body and then I saw nothing else that CoP could offer me really.
When I'd been 75 for a while a group let me tag along and get a few missions done. It was a whirlwind ride from 2-3 up to 5-3 and then I stagnated. I was left behind by a group that was moving to fast for me. So there I sat on 5-3 for quite some time.
Recently, only about a week ago I was lucky enough to get asked into a CoP static starting on 5-3. We did so many missions so fast. We lost almost none of the BCs winning almost all on our 'dry runs'. We only ever lost on 6-4 and once we rectified a tanking mistake we won it immediately and almost broke the record.
So last night after sitting so close we did it. Not only did we do it but we continued into sea and did more missions. I'm standing only 2 BCs and very little work away from my Tamas Ring and the glory of saying that I've completed CoP.
Soon after I shall finish up my ZMs (got lucky to win DM from a random group patched together after a year of trying I finally got it... 1/20) which only requires one more BC for me. After this perhaps I'll put my focus back on finishing my national rank missions. It will be great to finally say that I'm done with it all and can be prepared for all that Aht Urhgan has to bring.
Here is a pic of our group shortly after finishing the (remarkably easy) 7-5 BC and entering sea for the very first time.