International students that are already able to practice laws in other countries but want to practice in the US typically have to pass an ABA accredited LLM program. You could likely also do the reverse, earn a JD here and a masters degree abroad.
1. It is a trend.
2. It is still worth it; a good number of schools make it clear that alternatives - usually GRE - are geared toward those applying for joint degrees, and that they expect their applicants to have LSAT scores.
A lot of joint programs I've seen require the LSAT or the GRE. You still have to apply to each program separately, but it seems as if admissions will accept the LSAT in lieu of the GRE if you are applying for a dual program.
Getting a masters degree solely because you think ... bad idea. A masters degree and a masters thesis will both make ... you choose to get a masters degree and then go to ...