Database related SQL question

I would like to ask two questions for informix gurus: 1. Can I rename the database without loosing any data/tables? Or is it advisable to first use dbexport utility then use dbimport with new database name? In this procedure lot of steps are involved, please advise if there is any shourtcut/fast method. 2. We are doing a research study, in one of my study questionnaire, I have 219 different questions. My question is: Is it better to make one table containing all of 219 columns (fields), or I should break up the columns in smaller tables? Is there a limit on how many columns I can have in 1 table. Thanks in advance !! Your help will be greatly appreciated Rakesh P. S. You may contact me direct at informix@crha.rpslmc.edu