1. That's correct. Budget around £100/week for that.
2. It's all changed recently, but I'd be surprised if Area 2 (the final course, if you take the area route) wasn't still the hardest.
3. You can request it, but the chances are you'll be going to LACC (Swanwick) or LTCC (London, but moving to Swanwick). Or, if it's decided that you'd be better suited to working at an airport, you could be posted to one of many airports around the UK, dependent on where trainees are most needed at the time.
4. I think so, yes.
5. Can't remember! Anyone?