1) Sorry, can't answer that one. I've heard, however, that some people prefer to avoid the kind with felt light traps.(posted 8977 days ago)2) All my plastic reels are the adjustable type that come apart at the hub. I just take them apart to remove the film.
3) Photo-flo or some type of wetting agent in the final rinse, NO squeegy, sponge, or anything of the sort. Just hang 'em up to dry. It helps a LOT to use distilled water throughout the process.