The patch notes are way more interesting if you read them in Moss' voice from IT Crowd. You're welcome.

Very well put together. Thank you. This earned a bookmark.

QFT - This is the main issue for me getting to the space station to use GTN or Crew Skill Trainers.

It's rude to need for companion or vendor but it's also rude to group kick if you didn't set expectations for loot rules up front. New players may not understand the expectations that vet MMO players have for looting and throwing a kick tantrum doesn't really do much to change that. Now if someone is just being a ninjabutt after rules are established, kick and ignore away. That being said a Companion Need button is a great idea. Rank above greed but below player need.

The ship comes as part of your class quest line typically around level 16-18 depending on how you've been questing. Since you are a bounty hunter, it will be when you are finishing up the Kaas City quests.

You can turn off visibility of your head slot item so that when you are in conversation cutscenes you see your characters face as if they were not wearing it. You can turn it on and off in Preferences.