Yes on all counts, except for the last one, for which you'll probably have to try different variables in the booking engine. In fact any qualifying itinerary, even if accessed directly from the regular award booking engine, will show a confirmation of the reduced mileage level, before you actually commit to a booking.

The surest way to qualify is, obviously, to originate on one of the featured city pairs (I am very pleased that GVA is one at the moment )

Not sure what your current status is, but flight selection for PE/GE is certainly better. I try to burn family members' SE/Blue miles whenever possible, and this is getting more and more difficult these days.