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This is half fluff and half rules so not sure where to post this, anyway;
So the Necrons are emotionless unthinking robots, at least in the lower ranks. Programmed to kill and nothing more. So why then are they not fearless in game terms ? The image of Necrons warriors running from a combat because a couple of their mates died seems rediculous to me, the enemy would have to chop them to pieces to stop them coming forward.
I can see this not being the case with lords, as they have their own personality and may actually fear death. However I just don't think the fluff matches up with the rules on this one, thoughts dakka?

Never were, though it would have made sense.

I would certainly prefer them to have been/still be Fearless. It would fit them far better, fluffwise,and would REALLY have helped the Crons out in the old codex

They supposedly (old codex justification) are fond of self preservation, and will retreat when it seems prudent..

(or in game terms get swept like paper in every CC)

In the current dex, it's a carry over from their old selves. The biotransference dulled the Necron ranks and forced them to obey their masters. They're not programmed robots, and one of the most basic things of the old Necrontyr was their self preservation instinct. Apparently this has been dulled, but not wholly removed during the transference. So they'll usually stand and fight, but occasionally their old self preservation instinct kicks in and they retreat.

Alternatively, they retreat when it is tactically prudent to.

I think instead of fearless they should have something like fantasys stubborn rule. Even if ya loose combat you still roll base leadership.