Yeah I did some exploration
http://aochideout.blogspot.com/search/label/Exploration
You are right, back in I THINK 2009 Funcom changed how they handled their "walls". It used to work in such a way that if you pressed on a wall long and hard enough you could pass it. Now? No way!
However MAJORTY of locations that I have explored is still possible (along with Old Tarantia hidden village!).
The really good stuff is sadly gone forever (like outskirts of Conarch).
Narhemoth used his time well and he explored a lot more than I did when it was possible.
This thread and his collection will blow your mind:
http://forums.ageofconan.com/showpos...28&postcount=1