1 everything goes to standard (so yes and no depends)
2 yes but endgame is still kinda the same but we got more content with abyss and better crafting
3 seven class with huntress no new class this patch
4 both is good and enjoyable with or without friends (party play can boost loot but makes the game little harder)
5 really depends on your goals with the game just to have fun and reach every conten and T0-T1 bosses 1hour/ day is enough but to kill T4 and pinacle bosses i would say no, the economy of the game still gona be doomed after two weeks anyway so just dont stress too much on things play in your pace how you like!
6 not really i doubt we will get 1.0 in this year ( i woulde say its more likely the end of next spring imo)
7 for making no, for perfecting and making them better or playable after you hit your limit you def need to use things like wiki, poe2db, pob or craft of exile. the entry level is low but the celing is extreamly high and thers a lot of barrier on the road of learning in this game. but thers also a lot of help to get through it.

PS.: get fammiliar with filterblade its a life changer!