I have folders with some files in them that are replicants, is it possible to replicate the folders themselves?
Yes, groups can be replicated.
OK, thanks for the confirmation.
Another related question:
If I replicate a file in the group (a) to two other groups (b) & ©, then delete the file in the group (a) and also deleted it from the trash, I assume the replicants in groups (b) & © remain. Does one of these two become the “new” original?
There is no “original” or master replicant. Think of each replicant as a pointer to the one copy of the document stored behind the scenes.