Hi Don,
Micro Orbit exercise is like a great music composition. Different teachers/masters have slightly different interpretations of the practice. There is variation that exists. You choose a teacher and make a choice. In SFQ, the practice method is referred to as small universe.
Regarding small universe, breathing into an 'area' includes the specific points you reference, plus the area you breath energy into from all directions.
I can't answer the other specfic questions. I am aware of the differences between methods, like you mention. I found Master Lin's method more effective than previous ways I have been shown. For myself, his method really took the whole of it somewhere else, completely. There is much more to the practice than the details you mention. Physical/universal 'and' spiritual energy/qi, breathing, visualizations, passwords, mergings, ohm, emptiness...
Wisdom arises from emptiness, and Master Lin spends a lot of time there. He is a very high level meditation master, and in the experience of meditation practices can evolve. He is also a healer as well as a teacher. There is much additional experience and learning in experience, regarding healing work.
love,
gallen