Boss VF-1 Effect Processor

I'm looking to replace my big old Boss GT-5 with this puppy. Two questions:

1. The GT-5 has a real transistor distortion sound. Does the VF1 have it or are they all simulated.

2. Is there any fancy programming workaround to get an FX loop, perhaps by inputting and outputting separately on the left and right channels (I don't need stereo). I have a Rockman plugged in to my GT-5 FX loop, I'd hate to lose that functionality.

Thanks

Stublito