A.) The Hao Jin Cataclysm is being run as a multi-table special during the next Gameday, which I believe doesn't start for almost 2 months. I am going to try my best to get Severing Ties done before then and we'll carry over all the characters/players who want to continue to the special.
B.) Baram is correct except that the tiers are usually just 2 levels in the multi-table specials so 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. We'll probably play the 1-2 tier for our table, though we might have a stray 3 in the group.