I've been told the storyline for the next Bleach arc in the manga is almost completely unrelated to the rest of the series this far.

If that's the case, then this seems like a really good place to stop for now. Pick it up again later.

Especially considering how close the anime is to the manga anyway, it's either that, or a 2 year filler hell like Naruto. I'd much, much, MUCH rather the show simply go on hiatus for awhile and come back when it's ready like Inuyasha did.