1. No. It will not be I'm afraid.
2. Version 9 isn't out yet. Will be the highest tiers first and move down as time passes.
3. It's alot of changes. I'll do a full changelog when it comes out.
4. No, challenge is different.
5. Ideally gradually is best. But thery will unlock through playthroughs, so if you miss one you can get it later.
6. Yes. They do get bigger and there is a bad end associated.
7. Most likely once i get Growing Rivalry to a good place, then ill work on that again.