1. I hold the brakes where I want them to be when the brake isn't being pulled, and tighten it at that point. If you tighten it when it's against the rim, your brakes will always be on. (someone correct me if I'm wrong, I don't use the same brakes)
2. Pretty much, as long as it is secure I don't think the twisting will matter much.
3. Yup
4. And yup.

Yup