1) Shapeshifters aren’t a race; they’re a loose collection of unclassifiable ani-… Can’t even call them animals because some share characteristics closer to other kingdoms or even domains.

It’s not about a species, it’s about power. Shapeshifters don’t have to work for their power; they’re born with it. It’s easy to them. Even Twilight Sparkle or Rainbow Dash had to train for years to reach where they are now, and they’re far from peaked. Shapeshifters just can. Little to learn; requires no more training than walking. There’s nothing to harness, no muscle to build, and once they’ve got it, that’s it. Nothing more to learn, nothing to train, no reason to even practice.

And with this easily gained, already questionable ability… When you have to work for power, there’s at least a chance you might recognize what it was like before hoof and use it responsibly. Shapeshifters have no reason to care. Shifting isn’t even second nature to them. It is their nature. It’s too much power given too fast and too freely.

2) Of course not! What a silly thing to ask!

3) He didn’t shapeshift; he transformed with his reality altering “magic.” Magic in quotations because it isn’t technically magic, the same way five out of the six Elements of Harmony aren’t technically magic.

Shapeshifters are so called because they shift their genetic makeup to an approximation. They don’t literally become what they shift to; if they did they couldn’t turn back. Transforming is literally becoming something else. Unless you’re using time-limited magic or in possession of nigh-unlimited power, it’s permanent. Of course, these are just technical terms.

I don’t even know if Draconequus as a species had as much of, or any of the powers Discord has. They aren’t around anymore, if there ever even was more than one. Lots of rumors surround that.

4) Quick! Everypony become paranoid for the rest of eternity!

Is it any wonder why the public didn’t know about Changlings?

5) Sounds like you’re more of a fan of me than the music.

Don’t have many free days anymore. More of free evenings. Of which I am free this evening.