1. Actually widescreen users have an advantage because they've got extra space on the sides.
2. That'd be too good. You can always file a SRP request for having a reputation adjust 'within RP limits'.
3. It all depends on your characters reputation sheet. You can have one which is almost with everyone neutral. The system does make sense. You'll just have to work hard for it. And neutral NPCs do attack only when being provoked. Of course they attack you when you're shown as hostile to them in order to protect their convoy.