I wouldn't buy cheap carbon forks. Get something decent This would probably fit the bill quite nicely https://mrpbike.com/products/rock-solid-carbon and have seen it for sale at UK shops. MRP used to be White Brothers and has been well known for quality stuff for a long time.

Q1: It is a fine fork would work well and great for touring and mounting racks and such. If the suspension fork works and you aren't needing to mount racks or anything I would just keep that though but if not Surly forks are great.

Q2: You are already having issues with cheap no-name stuff don't buy more expecting different results. A good aluminum fork is not going to be as comfortable as the other options would stick with suspension, steel or carbon.