I would say no they may sound the same but pancake maple syrup has a thicker consistancy and just pure maple syrup doesn't because its very thin almost like water.
If you are not interested in the flavor, agave syrup would most likely be a good substitute. It's about the same consistency.
it can, but the flavor will be much different.
No you cannot
Most pancake syrup is corn syrup with flavoring added. The only issue would be if the flavoring is a problem in a given recipe.