Merge from AM3 - params

[JhanSrbinovsky]

This issue covers the merging of code in params/ and utils/ directory from AM3 development.

Null testing against offline will be required here @ccarouge, how do you want to proceed? I'm pretty sure I did this a month or so ago before moving on to the next part of the merge BUT:

1. I no longer have the output handy
2. I still haven't used benchcab, I am still using manual pre-cursor to benchcab variety of testing.

Note: Not that it actually changes anything, but technically it does intersect with all applications of CABLE

The overarching issue concerning AM3 merging is here #403

[ccarouge]

What is "null testing" ? Is that the same as regression testing?

[JhanSrbinovsky]

I just mean that the regression testing will/should show there is no difference, as expected