Sorry I don't have much time to explain.
For 1, please read the code and/or docs/whitepaper to see how it's implemented, and why it's implemented that way, and how to change it to your curve and what are the consequences
For 2, it's my own opinion, and you have the right to disagree. At least now, the 18 other top witnesses
don't hate me too much to be the 1st, and there is a collaborative environment. If I earn much more than them, I will feel bad.
For 3, please check https://github.com/steemit/steem/issues/467 for the philosophies behind the design. It's not that we want a lower block missing rate, but a trade off among things.