I don't think Bridge is going anywhere soon, in fact it was enhanced in the CC version. I was also surprised that it was a separate download in CC, but from what I have read on other sites, forums Bridge has commitment from Adobe. I can't see them taking it away and forcing LR for the browser. (imports etc.) I would not like that either. I use LR for my main raw conversions for Fuji, Nikon and Canon, but do not use the catalog 100%, only importing the images I need to work on.
Can't speak to the scripting issue but I can understand the frustration.
Paul