My understanding is that they are an incentive to purchase. They are a one-time-bonus allocation of points and are good at any DVC resort. They do, however, have an expiration date and are not bankable. I.e. use or lose. Given how busy DVC is, there's also no guaruntee that you'll be able to score a reservation with them. Flexibility in travel dates and resorts will be key.
If I got any this incorrect, I'm hoping someone else will set it right.
Yes that is correct based on my recent purchase with develops points. The points are good for 7 months from the date of your contract. No MF apply. You can rent them or use them for any vacation through DVC within they months. Right now they are doing double developer points which is a great deal!!
Yes you can. Poly, GF, Cruise, Paris, DL, etc. Any of the Disney vacations. When ever looking outside of DVC resorts when using points always take a look at the cost comparison between those points and and what it would cost to have the same room or trip by paying for it. We evaluated the cruise using developer points and it was better to rent the points and then pay for the cruise then using points for the cruise. Just something to keep in mind.