Darrell,
I've heard (in general) that it will, but I guess we won't know for sure until it comes out. ;)
MS development objectives are really perplexing when it comes to things like that. They had the wisdom to use VFP cursor technology for ADO and ADO.NET...but REALLY missed the boat on making VS.NET as 'RAD-like' as VFP. That's one of my biggest criticisms of VS.NET.
Because I had to make adjustments when I learned .NET, I've learned to live with not being able to do the things you described, and have come up with some workarounds.
So at this point it's marginal for me - but I'm sure that for many VFPers, Whidbey will be their first taste of .NET, and I hope their experiences are smoother than those of us who braved the first release.
Kevin