[C] Interpreting that as asking whether this thing has always existed: YES.
[B] NO. But the audience, who applauded the previous question, make appreciative noises.

[B] NO.
[C1] YES is the useful answer. A strict and slightly tedious reading of your question could yield the answer NO.
[C2] NO. (but good to know I got your logic question correct!)
[R] YES, it seems, but probably not significantly for a very long time.