There is a thread currently a couple below this one titled "New Hot Zones".
It explains the thought processes behind removing the hot zones from the zone list.
Basically its down to there being no consistency across servers or week to week.
As far as levels it is pretty good but obviously makes no allowance for "hardcore weeks"
I popped into Blackburrow recently and got hit for 1200+ by a scrawny gnoll
Lower Guk seems to be the same on FV right now. I went looking for dungeon rot and the entry mobs were red to a 61.
Other than that kind of blip it is as good an indicator as any.