Rune Myrhaug, Can you share more about the cases where you see issues here? We've generally tried to architect this system so these kinds of cases still work but a specific example where you are running into trouble would be helpful in diagnosing.
Niklas Murr, ChrisWebbTech, password protected links are only available for Anyone links today though we certainly may extend it to other link types in the future. Password protecting specific people links is a little odd (it kind of works like a second factor of authentication) but really Chris is correct that it is mostly redundant. Where password protected links are most helpful is in ensuring that links that are broadly accessible still have an additional layer of control that prevents accidental resharing (if you accidentally post that anyone link on a public website, it won't actually give anyone access).
As for expiration, we're working very hard on the expiring external access feature (it actually happens on a per site level, not a per link level). You should hear more about that soon. Thanks!
Stephen Rice
OneDrive Program Manager II