1. No. I'm putting an IGH on one of my bikes due to the effects of winter riding (snow, sand, salt, slush, thaw and freeze) on the derailleur drive train. The rest of the year I ride in the rain all the time with my derailleur equipped road bike and it hasn't lead to any shifting problems.

2. I was going to suggest the Bryant but I don't think the Trek SOHO would be too bad for your distance.