If you get C8, the patch becomes available to download or you simply get the patched version. Can't say for sure, but the most current version is available. 

Can't really comment on the AE integration other than not many CG packages have a direct AE export function that I work with. Others seem to favor .fbx or .dae anyhow.

For Carrara it's just best to export with multi-pass layers and use those since Carrara's .fbx and .dae is a little wonky. Syntheyes integration with Carrara is fantastic.