if you hover over the characters stat menu above the tech skill, you can see the different levels which give different capabilities. I think 30 Ish is already pretty high maybe quality control in the lab can raise it to 35.
I think I fixed number two by implementing a completely new pop-up menu system while in space. It will come with 2.40.
The weapon crate can be opened normally like all the other crates, stuff inside will be sorted into the armoury