mikeB97
I don't know the answer to your fist question but Henson does still supply the puppets and performers for SS All of the regulars, Spinney, Nelson, Brill, Clash, robinson, rudman, Mazzarino, etc. are all still employed by Henson and sent to work on SS although, since the characters are now owneed by Sesame wokshop it's a little confusing (or so I hear).
--Matt