I currently use a custom plugin in PlanSwift to achieve this, and I find it particularly valuable in the following scenario: After completing a flooring takeoff, I can convert or copy it to a linear takeoff for the wall base of the rooms. This functionality saves significant time.
For #1 you are talking about being able to copy & paste something as a new item, instead of duplicating it, like in PlanSwift right? Yes I definitely would like to see that functionality added.
As for the converting to different takeoff object types, that's interesting. So you have a plugin in PlanSwift where you can draw an area, and then when you are done, you can convert the perimeter of the area into a linear wall? That sounds pretty nifty actually