I've heard of numerous people who have purchase tickets through Student Universe. Some people on FT have commented about the company saying good things. My sister just bought a ticket for BOS-LAX-SBP-openjaw-SFO-BOS. It would have been a very expensive ticket, but she got a very good deal (don't know exactly how much she paid). So I think they're a reputable company to go through. Can't answer your other questions though.