Only if you do the search from General Interest. I would think that's the reason for a lot of duplicate threads.
Could be. I don't like posting duplicate threads, which is why I usually search before posting. It would be helpful if the search turned up articles that may have been posted to "other" forums such as General Interest. (or moved there by the Admin Mods). It would save some effort for those who are trying to search first, as well as for the Admin Mods who are trying to keep up with those who don't.