[rpainter]

For Question #1, the Form Hack might do what you want. I use it for a recipe section on my site. You can see it in action here. It is highly customizable, and will probably do what you are discussing.

In conjunction with the Form Hack, I also use the Edit New Thread Button MOD. With this MOD, you can change, on a per forum basis, where the "New Thread" button goes to. For instance, if you click the "New Thread" button in one of my recipe forums, you will be taken to the submission form instead of the "Post New Thread" page. The "Reply" button in the threads still works like normal.

As for your second request, I have seen a MOD (I think) for what you are talking about. But, I have no idea where it is.

I hope this helps you.