Nail on the head. I prefer actually switching out a weak pokemon at a higher level place and getting loads O' Exp, myself.
They are planned for release as far as I know. (I've also fallen asleep while grinding and accidentally killed some zubats...)
Not at the time. We don't have all the content open to us yet. I personally prefer grinding on wild pokes for EVs. Thank you, though.
I will mention smogon for people who have no idea how to competitive pokemon. I was meaning to, I guess now is as good as ever.
Likely will not be dead. With guides easier to find and promote there will be activity. Honestly, with your guide getting buried under jokes and random threads you are less likely to even want to work on your own guide.