On L1A with approved H1B - Want to decline H1B

[needtoknownw]

I am currently on a L1A valid til Feb 2012. My wife is on a L2 based EAD also valid till Feb 2012. My L1A maxout is Dec 2012 (7 years and hence it cannot be extended past Dec 2012).

I also have a valid H1B approval notice effective Oct 1, 2011. Along with that I have an H4 for my wife valid the same date.

My wife's employer has decided not to file for her own H1B and hence she would not be able to work once on H4 as my dependant.

My question is:

a. Would the H1B automatically get effective come Oct 1st, 2011?

b. What do I have to do to decline my H1B and stay on the L1A till that maxes out?(I understand that I may not be able to apply for H1B next year as I would exceed the max tenure in the US for H1B).

c. Is there a way to not switch over to H1B till my L1A is valid? I.e till Feb 2012, and then switch to H1B?

d. My immigration team told me that If I were to leave the US and re-enter on L1A, then my H1 would automatically be declined. Do I have to leave the US before Oct 1st?

I would really appreciate any guidance in this regard.