Graupel -
in regards to your 2 questions I belive the answers are yes and yes.
It is actually easier to project from the natural half-awake half-asleep state than from an induced trance. That is also called the mind-awake and body asleep state and hypnagogic state.
Many people report projecting directly out of a lucid dream. I have done that several times. After thinking about lucid dreams then it becomes clear that LDs Are the Perfect mind-awake [:D] and body-asleep state [|)].
To project into the physical real-time environment, as in another part of your room or another part of the world.. could that be done from the borderline sleep state (monroe condition D in a relaxed and refreshed state).. or can it only be done consciously by relaxing and entering trance?
Since I have a real hard time relaxing and entering trance.. would it be possible to project directly into the physical from a lucid dream.. or is one only restricted to the astral planes using that form of projection?