Am I correct to deduce that probated users have their posts hidden by default while regular members don't need posts approved? If I am correct, why is this the case.
Next up is simply just answering those questions from time to time.
Post approval is not activated for members under probation, it is actually very much against the spirit of what probation is meant to do.
It's much more likely you are being victim of a permission problem in regards to being a faction leader and under probation at the same time. You should bring it up to @Alex.