Here's the URL for what I found to be the best Subaru message board when I was considering getting one:
Ultimate Subaru Message Board
Yes, the auto tranny Subies can be switched to 2WD (front) by pulling a fuse or some such fairly simple method. Of course they're still "autotragic".
As for whether coasting in neutral is bad for it, check your owners manual. If you don't have it, chase one down on the web, as a .pdf or whatever. Usually its OK for standard trannies to coast in neutral, and mostly not OK for autos. But then Subie standards might be different...
The manual will tell you for an auto, you can coast at up to x mph for up to x distance. Usually not very far and not at useful speeds either. You look it up under "flat towing" in the manual, which means towing with all wheels on the road.
My Civic goes into open loop (rich) for about 10 seconds after a bump start. A Scangauge will tell you what's up there, if you have one. There's a readout for open/closed loop status. I'm OK with the 10 seconds when bump starting because my commute is about an hour.