I am by no means a DJX expert, but I will attempt to answer most of your questions:
1) Is the sampler section a one-shot?
The sampler is one shot. It can be set to start via trigger (you edit the trigger threshold) or you can actually trigger it manually.
You can edit the end-point and the loop point.
2) Can the available sample be divided between several sounds?
The DJX offers a total of 6 seconds of memory. You ercover what you trim off when you edit the endpoint. You can assign the sample to a single key. Just like the sampled drum loops that come standard on the DJX.
3) What kind of frequency response does it have, compared to the usual, muffled "toy"?
I think there are some very useable sounds... DX7 type fm keyboards and a few others are useable. In reality, I can only use about 20 - 30% of the onboard sounds with my other gear.
4) Will it save even one sample onboard a la Flash Bank or must you reload it every time?
The sample will be stored as long as the internal memory backup battery is good, or you don't do a reset.
5) Can you directly transfer a trimmed sample from a larger unit such as an Akai into the DJX?
No.
6) Will it save/reload programs via SMF?
Yes - either by bulk load or with an external sequencer.
7)What kind of sys-ex compliment does it offer, if any?
Too many to discuss.