1) there is a queue system - it's just the servers are so overpopulated at the moment they've had to restrict access to ensure those who have managed to logon have a stable gaming experience. I recommend you check out the stickies at the top of the General Discussion forum.

4) i've had no problems leveling my other classes using the hunting log - heaps of exp, and while you're hunting just do the FATEs as you run into them. Easy peasy.