Unless I'm mistaken and things have changed, this has been a feature since launch

Keep in mind that this is HIS favourite things from the cash shop, that doesn't mean that is all there is. If he's not into RP and social outfits, then appearance stuff wouldn't be at the top of his list. So hopefully some of this stuff is still on the cards.

I agree, I think it's just going to the same on rails experience but with multiple people on multiple rails in the same space instance I hope I'm wrong, but that's my guess of what is easily achievable with the current system, but without any hints or even a timeframe from BW it's all purely speculation and guesswork

As a tank I've had no problems in general, it either pops instantly or very quickly, both for normal FPs while levelling and HM at 50. I'd say it's probably more of an issue for DPS than for healers and tanks, but there definitely seems to be a lot of activity.