I agree with all of your points. I have done tons of research on how to use the keyboard only.

1. If the window is minimized (minimize with Cmd-M) you can Cmd-tab to it let go of Cmd hold tab and press option and let go of tab and the window will reappear.

2. I use Cmd-W to close windows and Cmd-M to minimize windows. If you hold Shift while double clicking the title bar of the window you can maximize it in the same paradigm as windows.

3. I use the shortcuts.

4. see 2.

5. Yes.

6. If you hold Cmd-option-I after selecting files.

7. Cmd-O for Open. It started to make more sense to me.

8. Sometimes you can press (and this is inconsistent) Control-(the letter the button that you want to press starts with, so Control-C for Create)

9. Sure there is a cut operation.