1) Correct, ALTN with reduced protection that changes to direct with L/G down
2) Check that stab trim setting on the fuselage scale (LH side, usually) corresponds to setting on pitch trim wheel and ECAM flight controls page. If all three values are the same it usually means that the maintenace has been sloppy with putting things into place after finishing their job. Discrepancy is a no-go item. That's what I've been taught, I've never actually found stab trim at anything else than zero on parking stand.