Does a skink priest on a steg only get a 5+ armour save now instead of 2+ of old. If I cast the phonex spell and forget it does it remain in play or get removed?
yes to the first question - i was shocked too. at the second question the spell remains in play even if forgotten. (don't remember the page nr here)
Page 6 of the latest FAQ clearly states that remain in play spells don't end when a wizard forgets the spell (or is reduced to wizard level zero). Remember that they do end when the wizard dies though.