[ericthered]

For number 2) its not cheating, but that's because you don't apply the modifiers twice.

If you place a modifier on alternate form, it ONLY affects the base [15] of the alternate form. This is important for cases like 'Reduced time rate', which gets stuck on alternate form all the time. You don't pay twice as much for a form you can instantly change into.

In the case of pact, it is appropriate to place the modifier on everything. But be aware this means you only place the modifier once on everything.