Ad.1) Is this because of the latency? Actually, we have our servers located in the USA but it might change if we scale the project worldwide.
Ad.2) This is the thing we consider for a long time. Direct money incentive is great if it's high enough, but if it's low, it does exactly the opposite. Showing net votes or STU might be much better because it is coin-price independent.

We may start with an appropriate theme, this is a good idea.

Engrave blogs have 2018 is the copyright footer.

Thanks, fixed :)