Re #2 with my experience once in short-haul,
- I put my shoes under the "pop-up extra space" just outside the seat itself, so it doesn't jam the recline or block the doorway, but have to move when popping up/closing the extra space
- Yes the headphone cabin is pretty small
- For the plug, I managed to almost closed the door and only leave a gap for the cable, but I agree it's more convenient if the port is outside.