A. No, member variables do not search upline if the parent is suspended, but instead shows the variable the parent has set, or the default if they do not have anything set.
A. Yes, when adding an item to the calendar there is a drop down titled "Assign To" and you can define if it is for all members, some members, or not for members.
A. The following codes are currently supported:
~username~
~firstname~
~lastname~
~email~
Additional short codes can be added as a support request.