Yes/No?
I typically don't do classic experience. Instead, it's story driven/milestone experience. As you guys advance the plot and undertake things which are important, you gain skill and power. In the end, you'll likely end up with a "fast" advancement track because of it. At least through the first swath of lower levels.
So yes, you guys got some "credit" for what you did. However, given that conflict is still ongoing, you wouldn't have gained a level just yet.