IMO Ladder season won't end until the entire list is all level 99's.
As far as the merging goes, you'll keep your Ladder-Only items, but they can ONLY be found in Ladder (so none will drop in NonLadder). Those will sell for a LOT on Nonladder, that's why I'm farming in Ladder right now.
All I'm doing on ladder is farming items, getting runes, and Upgrading Items that would be good, in preparation for the end of the Ladder Season.
that is damn smart vollstrecker haha andy;s visage will be get this GODLY lol sweetness! and fathom will be worth even more woot! ima have to start a farm w/ lotsa moo moo's lol no j/k but lots of items that are LADDER ONLY and get up eth 190+ eth titans OOOOOOO WILL BE WORTH SOOO DAMN MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! damn rite. ima keep up shaft too yay! i feel special now hahah!
note...follow ExT advice VOLLSTRECKER U ARE LIKE A GENIUS lol....im not sucking up just being nice lol...but seriously good idea )!