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I've copied over the source to User:David Fuchs/scratch. Distributing the page history isn't feasible as there's no way to do that without restoring the article. As to your questions:
It's recommended, but not required.
As long as you aren't canvassing, you are allowed to notify wikiprojects/related contribtors
If you have such concerns, bring it up at WT:AFD.  (talk) "