There are still no plans to support this, although basic HA (+LC's) was added - it is only used internally - not externally.
The reason being, new features are being added to the next generation XR virtual platform, XRv9k. (http://www.cisco.com/c/en/...
Updated links as of Sep.9 2015:General info (including download): http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/routers/ios-xrv-router/tsd-products-support-series-home.htmlInstall Guide: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios_xr_sw/ios_xrv/install_config/b...
Yes if you are unconcerned with which OS version (XE rather than XR) then that might be a good idea. Sorry I can't help you specifically with the licensing question - but I do know a lot of people use the 60-day eval for education and training - so I...