1. No, the held itinerary is now a separate itinerary and can not be merged with another. You have to release it, and hope you can get it again. Remember, the change is going to cost you $100. Also I believe you can do this online however you might as well do it over the phone and get your $100 worth.

2 No. But nine hours in CVG before a trans-con - egad are you nuts??? :-).