1. Settings (F12) > View > File/folder list > [ ]Show parent folder "..".
2. Settings (F12) > View > Folder tabs > Tab management > [ ]Always keep one tab open, then exit and reopen FC or close the tab on both panels (Ctrl+W).
Not yet, sorry, it's one of the last few items that can't be changed. If you're using dark color for panels, you can use light/silver colors with effects for menu/tabs/address.