Christine is correct on point 1. above.
The first change dates back to the Second World War with the publication of Code Case 979, which permitted a reduction in the design factor on tensile strength from 5 to 4, provided additional requirements were met. This was primarily motivated by the need to conserve material, but also drew on successful experience with some boilers in the 1930s, which were permitted to use a design factor of 4 if they were required to be inspected annually. This change was subsequently incorporated into the Code after WWII, bearing in mind that most vessels were designed to Sections I/VIII back then (Secs. III and VIII-2 were not published until 1963 and 1968, respectively).
Further useful information can be found in 'Companion Guide to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Chapter 40' and the Section III and VIII-2 criteria documents.
Cheers,
D