1. It's safer to use names similar to Steem, as Steem is the blockchain and currency, while Steemit is a website run by Steemit Inc. Steemit Inc. however doesn't own the entire steem-blockchain.
2. Smart Media Tokens will be tokens on Steem blockchain, as users will be able to create their own tokens and use them as rewards on their own projects. (Well I might be wrong with some details, I'm not a tech person)
3. Blocktrades is easy to use and typically good enough exchange rates. I would recommend using Steem-Eth or Steem-Litecoin trade instead of Steem-BTC trade as BTC fees can be large.
4. Steempeak is a good option to use the Steem blockchain.

Bonus round:
You can't upvote resteems, as the resteem directs to your post. You can't get rewards from resteeming someone else.