You realize this entire post is speculation? The article doesn't mention the DTV at all. And you made a post based on an omission. If it doesn't say it explicitly, then that is speculation. We can only wait and see.
It doesn't mention DTV but does mention tourist visa, which DTV technically is. I don't think it's safe to say that the DTV is safe. I think the DTV will be collateral damage in this crackdown.
Yes, they do. You can book with an airline like Qatar, which lets you hold the reservation for free. Some airlines like Turkish Airlines require you to pay a holding fee.