The way I read that is that monk barehands will always be better.  They get stronger and stronger as you level.  I doubt many people will come across an ultra rare weapon

not sure as i never got to 15 myself.. i got to 14 then went on to do diplomacy and crafting.  However I believe you can go back to your normal trainer now and start it.  I did notice at lvl 14 my normal trainer had the black shield above his head indicating he had a quest for me next level.  I assume it would be that

I believe fein death is "suppose" to take you out of combat.  I know sometimes it does and other times it bugs no but it is suppose to

FD is lvl 14

At lvl 14 it is an 8 second cooldown.  From my testing spliting mobs is almost as efficient as EQ1.  Also aggro wipe is immediate if you succeed.  Its more of a succeed/ fail thing