The APR is not needed through hard fork, the Witnesses set that. A couple weeks ago, some moved to 7% which pushed it, on a median basis, to 5%. I did look but I guess more of the consensus Witnesses raised their rate and it moved it higher.

I do believe you are correct that the interest will only apply to savings and not HBD held out in fully liquid form. I cant swear to that but I believe that is what will happen.