1. I´m not sure, but I think that should be fine.
2. Yes we are.
3. So, if you have payed the right amount of fees for the OWP, you should be fine. But, if you want to be safe, you should get a visitor visa extension right now. Let's say that you don't, in case the OWP application is rejected and send back to you, if you do not get it back in time(that will say, if your visa expires before you are able to send back your OWP application for the second time), and you do not have any other visa application going on, you will be out of status. You will then have 90 days to apply for restoration of your status($200,-). The visitor visa extension is only a $100,-, if I remember correctly, and it will give you implied status, in case your OWP app is returned after your visa has expired. I hope this helps you.