Todd B,
#1 Up to two year's,but best when consumed before one year.
#2 When I smoke up a batch,it's useully gone in a week.Between eating it and giving it out to co-worker's,I would say one month in fridge and two year's in freezer.
#3 I don't know but was thinking along the same lines as you,trying the crab thing.It might be hard to get a good seal due to all the juice,but worht trying.
Goodluck , STRIKE ZONE