Will COS abondon becase of visiting outside US when COS pending?

Question

I am on L1 visa with a company. In 2013 my company filed for h1b and COS,however I had to go to Japan from US on L1 while COS is still pending.
When I am back to US I got my h1 RFE to evaluate and heard my COS get abandoned because

1. Will COS is not valid if I need to go to h1b stamping?
2. If my h1b approved can other company apply for h1b transfer
3. Can other company apply for h1b transfer
4. Can other company apply for transfer and COS to avoid stamping.

Answer 1

Yes, departure while a change of status application is pending can constitute abandonment.