2006 Outback 3.0 R - FWD Only & Regular Fuel?

I'm considering an 06 Outback 3.0 - the new base, not LLBean or VDC. I've heard that on older Outbacks one could eliminate the AWD by changing/removing a fuse so that it would run only in FWD...sounds like a gas saver to me and I don't need AWD in the summer.

Can this switch to FWD be done on the 3.0?

Also, is premium fuel "required" or "recommended"? Any harm in running it on regular?

Not really a gas saver, especially if you consider that youre making two wheels do the work of four. Thats twice the load on the FWD. Also there is the traction factor. Further down in this outback section were more remarks about disabling AWD and seems to me there were even more serious consequences.
As for the fuel difference, today's computers seem to be able to compensate for virtually any adverse condition (such as detonation, etc) and I have had not prob running on "regular" for five years now.