Well I really cant help with all of your questions because I am just starting out myself. But as for the physical, its quite easy. I got my Second Class med certificate which consists of:
eye check (eye sight must be correctable to 20/20),
hearing check (a joke...the lady talked quietly to me for that test)
pee in a cup (only tests to see if your a diabetic or not..If you are, you cant be a pilot), and turn your head and cough. Pretty simple...Well anyways..I am the one who replied to you on JustHelicopters. Youll find there isnt much for bickering on here. Just happy pilots who will give you good info. Anyways..talk to you later
Scott