The new developer betas I have seen are a definite improvement. No it doesn't, not unless you're lucky. Hopefully, Apple will heed the multitude of reports they have received to the contrary and get Classic to start and stay running in MOSX 1.0 with zero hassles. Recent developer betas show they are very close to exactly that. Meanwhile, read the SimpleX article on repairing MOSX to a trick to get Classic running.
Justice is served.
The discount is not listed at the Apple Store web site. The upgrade card providers are coming through with successful drivers to enable their cards. Check with each card provider for details. Sadly the number of upgrade card providers dropped again this past month when Newer took a dive. They are now in bankruptcy.