Thank you! <3
1. By and large there's no need. Saves are stored in a separate location, so you can just download the new version and your saves should be there. Note that if you're on android you'll have to keep the app installed, as the saves are part of it. When a new version is downloaded, it'll update the previous one.
2. It isn't something I've considered before, but I could see it. I'll think on it :)
Thanks for playing and the kind words! <3