GearUp180

Question #2:
I agree with Skelsey on the MEA. Nevertheless:
The star (*) indicates the MOCA (minimum obstacle clearance altitude), not the MSA. With the MSA, you must maintain 1000ft over a congested area and 500ft in other than congested areas (FAR 91.119). You usually get it from the VFR charts by adding those figures to the Maximum Elevation (shown for each quadrant in large blue numbers). The MEA assures navigation coverage and 1000’ (non-mountainous terrain) or 2000’ (mountainous) obstacle clearance (Instrument Procedures Handbook 2-35). It's the figure shown on the IFR charts and plates above the MOCA. If you are under radar contact, the controllers can give you a lower altitude (AIM Section 4, 5-4-1 note 5). They actually have their own sets of altitudes sometimes lower than ours (pilots). Question #1:
Regarding the climb requirement at CRVET, my guess is that it has to do with the adjacent MOAs and the overlapping routes (V3 and military).