Hey, did you find any solution to your third point?
I have the exact same problem. I always choose the best formations for other teams before starting a career mode in order to make it more competitive.
For example, Arsenal are currently playing 4-4-2 which means Rice will always miss out as there is no natural CDM in the formation.
I have even tried loading my previous profile and it doesn't seem to work. The teams sheets are correct and active before I start a new career mode but the changes don't get applied to career mode apart for my own team.
Thank you in advance and hopefully you found a solution!