Thankfully those bugs have been reported, and one of them fixed. Still trying to figure out the odd behavior with objects interrupting attacks. The Ctrl + Direction has been replaced by a quick way to use called shot (available to all characters from the beginning now). I should definitely have it check 2 spaces away for longer weapons.
That quest was removed. I was never fond of it, and people kept getting confused. The pickaxe should probably be moved to another quest as a reward though. You're right that it can be confusing.
Good to have you back :)