1. No, plenty of people use Octalink (Dura Ace) or GXP (SRAM Omnium) cranks.
2. That's a sprinter thing. Extra security for monster power. Straps do a couple things - they pulling out (unlikely but could happen); they prevent twisting that could lead to pulling out; and by strapping the foot to the pedal they eliminate stretch/flex of the shoe's upper.