Many of those posts you are seeing in different languages have an English translation included. For the most part if they do them in two posts with the same content in different languages, they will get downvoted for duplicate content.

If you use the Steempeak.com frontend you can select favourites that you're wanting follow along with a bunch of other features they just rolled out.

As for privacy.. this is a blockchain. It's transparent and there for everyone to see forever. Govern yourself accordingly.

There is no gas requirement.. are you from some other blockchain? We have resource credits here and you will earn more as you build up your account. The other way is someone can delegate to you if you're active.

Have you done an introduceyourself post? That is a good way to start. Welcome to Steem ... you'll get used to the place. :)

ShadowsPub