1. We're talking about actual animation here. I couldn't even do simple cutscenes for the story mode I wanted before, it's just too many sprites that had to be resized and cleaned up. Although I was thinking of giving Story mode another shot, with a comic theme to it.
2. Sure. You provide said maps, and I'll add it in.
And a Riders editor? Sounds more like an edited SOCEdit that's compatible with Riders. Still, I'm planning on simply porting Riders first without any huge additions, and letting people's comments, rants, etc. come in first before I release the next version.
But progress is still put on hold. I ain't the one deciding when it'll be back in action, that decision rest on someone else entirely.