Hi Troy,
>automatically add the students in a course to a database activity.
Student name can be added via the user tag, ##user##. Click on the name will bring up user's profile (with student email).
> a field that would automatically pull the list of students
I don't think it is possible. As you said, JS might be able to do it, I don't know how. Wish someone can contribute an idea here.
> a teacher being able to provide specific feedback on a presentation. That feedback would then be emailed to the students (and hopefully, go into the gradebook).
Better use Assignment activity. After a teacher uploads a feedback file, student will get notification and the grade will go to Gradebook.
In database, teacher can use ##Comment## to give student feedback.
Teacher can also give "Rate" to each entry and the Rate can be listed in Grade book.
Students can use Event monitor to get email notifications.