Hi Fred,
1. 1 way is to get an SQL license which obviously has a cost implication. The other would be to stop SQL and then backup those files, before starting SQL up again. The stop/start of the services could be scripted to do so at certain times. Not sure if you have tried the AOFO to get a backup through?
2. Not too sure what files you're talking about replicating here...Active Directory, or are these user files etc? If AD, I'd look at pulling your data onto 1 site (the primary). If you're backing up on each site, look at running a duplicate job if possible to that primary site. If not, then an NTbackup of your system state before copying that *.bfk file across your network would do it.
Laters!