I've just read the modernpilot article - there are a few mistakes in there, effectively about the things you're talking about - I'll take them in order:
1) FPL's are NOT transmitted to your alternate unless you specifically ask them to be.
2) You CAN amend a filed FPL, the most common by asking the FBU that you filed the plan with to delay it using a DLA message. You can also change various fields of the FPL by using a CHG message. The only time you HAVE to cancel and re-file is if you are departing earlier than planned - but this is more relevant to IFR flights than VFR, or cancelling the flight completely (obvious I know).
3) Closing a FPL abroad - yes. Closing in the UK - not required (as explained in my previous post).
Last edited by Chilli Monster; 21st Feb 2007 at 22:42.