Xenoblade 1: How important are trade quests?

[Nuvendil]

t3mporary_126 said:

fatslob-:O said:
Most side quests can be safely ignored unless you want to a a perfectionist run ...

I guess that's true. I don't play RPG often and wasn't quite sure how Xenoblade rewards them like with valuable items, stats, or major exp reward.

With XC the sidequests aren't that interesting.  There are a few but not enough.  And the rewards aren't that interesting.  Now, if you play XCX next (assuming you haven't already), totally different.  Side content is both good (normal missions and affinity missions) and also imo playing a good number as you go is essential to having the best experience.