HN user
check this out: http://docs.appgyver.com/supersonic/guides/architecture/comm... -- basically, there are many options, depending on what you want to do. you can bind angular scope between views, if you're using angular. you can also broadcast messages etc. you can also have a "parent" webview that's hidden, it's pretty straight forward to do.
remember, if you're not using custom phonegap plugins (which is most apps), there's no need to build at all. it's all already in the scanner app that you use in development. it comes with cordova plugins built-in, and there are addons to provide push notifications etc. with appcelerator it's a bit different story.
you don't actually NEED to have an account to test it out. however, in order to deploy your apps for cloud sharing, and for using the data, you have to be able to "own" it. that's why you need an account if you're using those features.
it won't affect your workflow much, since everything from communicating between webviews etc. is really straight forward. also, you get immediate updates on your devices, simulators and emulators all the time as making code changes. you can use chrome/safari to debug everything etc.
Great tips, appreciate it.