F1. Survive 1 is Absolutely Lethal
I'm sure it is. Your method of 3d6 place as you like isn't a bad one, nor would a standard array I think (say 4, 3, 2 or 3, 3, 3) but half the fun for me is the lethality on a character with lower stats. I will likely add alternate character creations methods in the first setting expansion.
F2. Reusing the Hex Map is Cool
I actually hadn't thought of this, and it is a cool idea. I will take another look at the idea of Home, perhaps making it rather a Mission Generation location that give a bonus at the start rather than being a home. Hm...have to think about it.