Question about changes over recent patches

Ok so I used to play a lot of dark souls but I took a break for a couple months just to wait for the dlc on console and to catch up with other stuff so I have a couple questions.

1. Does the dwgr only go to 25% equip load before it stops working now?

2. Did any of the special weapons like the silver knight straight sword become unbuffable through resin or spells?

3. Has the main pvp areas changed to somewhere else now?

4. Have the lvling system changed at all?

Any answers are appreciated