Hi Capforumuser.
Yes, I think you would need to run any incentive offer by the program in question before offering it. I imagine the requirements will vary according to the program.
As you seem nice, I’ll have a go at answering question 2.
The affiliate program backend update rates vary. I’m more used to poker programs, so for example poker.com seems to update in real time whereas programs like ultimatebet update every 24 hours.