I know that it was an issue a while back, but has there been any development in the field? For example, I want to make a platform that will move from left to right (sort of like the ones in platform games) so that the player can time it properly to make the jump. Is this possible using simple functions such as getpos, setpos or is there something more complex involved?

IIRC it has to be disabled & enabled on every move (check with Side's sailing ships). Easier thing would be to simply animate the item to move when activated.