1) Already easy to level especially with challenge log and stables, mines been capped at 20 forever.
2) Thing is dirt cheap already, and I often don't even use up the full time, having the companion out reduces exp gain on regular mobs.
3) Agreed, and SE been saying they are looking into it since like 2.0. 3.0 now and still nothing.
4) I too rather have barding remain cosmetic, else people will be forced to use certain bardings.
5) They don't need it, they take reduced damage a lot of times already. Was doing Dragonskin Treasure Maps, the actual players actually have to dodge AOEs and the chocobos just stand there... kweh? aoe? dgaf.
6) Refer to #1