Yes, I read up-thread that someone already asked about retaining status with a gratuitous transfer and they were told it will retain status. I hope that remains true. I purchased in October but it was a Christmas surprise for my husband. His name isn't on it yet (because he would have needed to know about it to sign). So, it's in my name and my 19 yo daughter. We discussed it on Christmas and DH is fine with leaving it as is until my now 16 yo turns 18 and we will add them both. So, I'd be really upset if it didn't retain direct status.
I can see where they would exclude changing the names on just the add on.
Yes. I plan to transfer my membership to my children in 30 years as well. I do not trust anybody else enough with all of my points to add them, though, which makes sense why Disney requires an all or none when it comes to adding people.