Answer 1:
No, if an account holder requests their bank to authorise a third party such as an accounting firm to initiate payments through a dedicated channel, this does not qualify as service 7. This is because PSD2 service 7 involves an account holder requesting a third party to initiate a payment from their bank account on their behalf. There is no need for the account holder to request their bank to authorise the third party. The bank may use a dedicated technical link if an account holder requests their bank to authorize a third party to initiate paymenst. But it is also allowed to use the API developed for use under the PSD2 for that aim.
Again, the regular requirements for sound and ethical operational management obviously apply, and the bank must safeguard a secure connection with the third party. Unlike activities requiring a licence under PSD2 service 7, a bank itself must weigh the interests involved in considering whether it wishes to provide these services to third parties that are not subject to a licence requirement.