Using Gradients on text

Q. Is there a way to have a gradient (e.g. fill) applied to a text element without having it be converted to a path based object?

Q. Can text with a gradient be a Rich Text element so that it can be controlled via url?

A. No, fills, strokes and other transforms are path based. Please see:

https://marketing.adobe.com/resources/help/en_US/s7/fxg/c_fxg_fills_strokes_visibility_blend_modes.html

Text is rendered as a graphic element similar to paths and shapes, but with a restricted subset of rendering options. Full details on supported options can be found here:

https://marketing.adobe.com/resources/help/en_US/s7/fxg/c_fxg_text.html