Shoutbox

I've analyzed the C++ sample code, but I still have a few questions that I haven't found answers for yet:

• How do I send messages to MsgPlus, like to change to a personalized status? The sample code completely covered responding to messages, but had nothing about sending messages.
  
• What is the best way to perform an action every x seconds? Creating a separate thread?
  
• Is it possible to auto-respond to questions from contacts?
  
• What's the best way to retrieve the user's current status?

Thanks!