1 = try running the Larian launcher as admin
2 = yes from time to time they get stuck... its a known bug

4 = yes thats by design
5 = yes Larian removed them... the thinking is they caused Paladin characters to failt their orth but its just a guess
6 = yes thats by design, in the same way that touching the burning jug of bugs will kill you in the first room

Luke Skywalker: I don't, I don't believe it.
Yoda: That is why you failed.