1) The Google toolbar for Windows provides PageRank information. I'm not sure if the Google API provides it. At least locating the exact search rank is possible through the Google API.
If you are willing to get dirty, the "professionals" have some nasty tricks to increase Google rankings. One guy I know maintains a special front page for each of his client sites that is only served to Googlebot (based on IP address I presume). This special page, which is sometimes (but often not) visible through Google Cache, contains links to popular sites, a search form (this is apparently a plus), as well links to all of his other clients.
This way he can exploit googlejuice between his clients without explicitly linking (they're often completely unrelated commercial sites).
