Tier 1 POP zones you must be I think level 52. Flagging is still required if you plan to do the flag progression to elemental. There are some Tier 2 zones open as well once you reach 62.
The graveyard zone collects bodies fully geared after they have been in a zone dead for 7 days. You no longer risk the chance of losing all your stuff. However you do end up for 7 days playing naked and unequiped.
Fear has been overly bugged and was before GOD. However, my guild has went twice this month and it was nothing like before. The deaths we encountered were not at zone in but either an agro train or the Imp spawning at our camp.
I think the notation that you need to be 46 to get into fear is a bit misleading. Sure 46 can fight fear with a good group and careful agro. But to break the zone in fear really requires some higher levels, higher than mid 50's in my opinion. When the guild I belong to breaks in, a group of 65's zone in that include MT, Chanter, Cleric, Melee. Once the zone in is clear the next level group zones in etc. We are able to get lower levels in but it is only after the break in and clearing has occured.