New Visa Rules

Hi,
I have come to uk from India on Tier 2 (ICT - Skills Xfer). My visa will expire in a couple of months. But I wish to have a long term stint here in UK. In view of recent VISA rule changes and my backgorund,

1) which are the options available for me to obtain a long term work permit that will be independent of my current employer?

2) Can I transfer from Tier 2 ICT to some other category?

3) In order to get another long term work permit, do I need to have a sponsor (job offer first?)

4) Is it true that I will not be able to apply for tier 2 visa once my current visa expires as per the new rules?

thanks,
-Aditya