3. This is a known issue (includes some polymorph skills, as well), which should be fixed in the next update (no ETA).
4. If there is a reason to enter combat with the magisters, obviously some NPCs will be on your side. If you just randomly attack someone, how would they know you are just attacking magisters?
Also, there's a difference between a systemic reaction and a scripted one.
6. I would guess circulatory problems.
