Is the hadith: "It will be said to the reciter of the Qur'an on the Day of Resurrection: 'Recite and ascend and recite distinctly as you used to recite distinctly in the worldly life, for your status is at the last verse you recite'" specific to those who memorize the Qur'an, or does it include those who regularly recite it, or both? And will the Qur'an intercede for its companions or be a proof against them, and when will that be?

The المقصود (intended meaning) of a reciter of the Quran in the Hadith: "Recite, ascend, and recite distinctly" is one who acts upon its rulings. This includes those who recite it from memory or from the Mushaf (physical copy of the Quran). The Hadith: "Recite the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its companions on the Day of Resurrection" refers to those who recite it and act upon it, whether they have memorized it or not. The Quran can be a proof for you if you act upon it, or against you if you do not, as stated in the Hadith: "The Quran is a proof for you or against you."