I don't know that there is a bad grind without Pills. I normally got lucky and won the Lottery at the start of the game (I cheat and use console commands).
For no pills you spend some more time building the relationships (like other games), but as 'D' and Meghan were the most developed stories it wasn't really a chore or bad. Yes, I would have liked a few more talking options and replies with 'D', but that's because I love her Snarky attitude. Honestly though while I don't remember a bad grind I'm not a good judge, I used console commands for the most part so missed some of the 'Work'.
Sorry I can't give a better/more informative review of the grind. Guess that's why I'm so focused on Cookies. With Cookies there is no grind, just mixing and eating.
Hope that helps.