I've had no problems with Malabal Tor, I went through it about like the previous zones with my Dragon Knight in heavy armor with 2 handed axe/bow and my destruction mage in light armor with fire staff/restoration staff had no issues. I'll be going into Malabal Tor on my Templar with bow/dual wield very soon too and expect no problems. Its really no different than any other zone so far that I could see.

In each zone I encountered areas that were somewhat harder than the rest where I might have died but simply rethinking my strategy usually got me through. Reaper's March is the next zone, its not a walk in the park either but I wouldn't say either zone is meant for groups only.

How's your level compared to quest level? Do you keep your armor,weapons, jewelry up to date and in good repair?