From a recent airbus event I attended we were told that the LAF function would be re-introduced for the sharklet NEO & retrofit aircraft. However it would be a software function only. No additional hardware (accumulators) would be required. They are indeed supposed to help with the wing loading. There are also mods to the spoiler authority to prevent excessive wing loads.
USMC - Sharklets are here for airbus. There are several a/c flying with them installed for evaluation & proving. Sharklets are supposed to be different from blended winglets ala Aviation Partners Boeing.