Ok, does it happen on just this project or others as well?

I did recently have another project in which dragging a large set of clips would copy them as well, although the problem went away on its own and I never saw it again. Also it didn't last long enough for me to deduce that it only happens when dragging MIDI clips and not audio.

Regarding the clips' relative positions before and after, I've seen something very similar to this happen as well and my conclusion was that it was more a display bug which was related to the zoom level I was viewing the project at.  Not saying it's the same thing but it might be worth checking.
 
For the automation issue, is there any difference in behaviour if the automation is collapsed in the audio track or expanded in an automation lane?

I have been fighting with moving automation with the audio clip too...I can move it together with copy special and paste...but it would be so much easier to just select and scoot it backwards or forwards without trying to paste it where I want it..Maybe the bakers can fix that...hint hint :)

Track View > Options
 
Put a check mark against "Select Track Envelopes with Clips"

Holy Mackerel Andy!!!! that's itl   thanks..it'll save me a bunch of time and hassel!

Good stuff