I know of at least one guild on Tunare that has Kess on farm status but hasn't yet defeated Zun for Tacvi access. It is definately doable pre-Tacvi.
From recent 20/20 hindsight: I'm assuming that you're wearing solid PoTime/DoD/MPG Group gear. You've worked GoD progression all the way into Tex. For progression you're probably ready to start learning the Zun strat and taking whacks at him. Focus on getting into Tacvi, not farming Tex. Tacvi is the farm zone for GoD and there is plenty of loot to gear an entire guild. For farming at this level you have a number of opportunities. Qvic armor shores up pretty much all of your visible slots with solid gear. The foci are now sub-par, but the ac/hp/mana and sheer quantity will bring your lower attendance folks up to speed with the top tier quickly. Farm them on off-nights in small raids till they go to alts. Even consider making them non-dkp to ensure people take them even when they are marginal upgrades. You need BP's and Legs and have a couple of sources available. Riki and Kess in DoN are now within your capability. With the level increase, You might also try taking your highest dps with you and take a swag at the LavaDrakes mini raid on those nights. Most guilds wait till they start getting Tacvi weapons, but 5 levels might make that doable. You also are ready for Rifseekers Royals. When you take out King and Queen there, you should drop Chailak and Feratha as targets of opportunity for a couple more solid pieces of gear. MPG trails are indeed your next OoW progression step. Provided you have 2 solid tanks you can probably win Hatred now. Foresight isn't gear dependent at all but is VERY attention focused. If you have a raid force that is very skilled then you could start working foresight too.
As for paladin specific gear... I have no clue