I have a reservation that was made before the change of categories (devaluation). Looking at the reservation, it looks like the award certificate attached to it is of the new higher category, not what I originally paid for.

Questions:

1 - if I change the dates, would they have to "re-ticket"?
2 - if I cancel the reservation and redeposit the points, would the computer redeposit the higher category?
3 - if I cancel the reservation and keep the certificate, would I be able to use it at a hotel that is at the higher category?
4 - It seems the trick to beat devaluation is to have the awards certificates made on the side and not necessarily attaching them to reservations?

Thanks.