Let $f:X\rightarrow S$ be a proper, flat, finite type morphism of noetherian schemes. $f$ is called cohomologically flat in degree 0, if formation of $f_*\mathcal{O}_X$ commutes with base change along any morphism $T\rightarrow S$.
Now let $f$ be a proper, flat, finite type morphism of noetherian schemes, and additionally require that $f$ has reduced geometric fibers. Then it follows from rather complicated results in EGAIII.2 (specifically 7.8.6), that $f$ is cohomologically flat in degree $0$.
My first question is: Is there are more elementary proof of this fact, possibly bypassing heavy cohomological machinery?
If in addition $f$ also has integral geometric fibers, then for every $T\rightarrow S$, the canonical map $$\mathcal{O}_T\rightarrow f_{T,*}\mathcal{O}_{X_T}$$ is an isomorphism, where the subscript $T$ denotes the objects base changed along $T$. For a proof, see e.g. Kleiman "The Picard Scheme", Solution to Ex. 3.11, which also uses heavy cohomological machinery.
My second question: Is there are more elementary proof of this fact?