1. yes, although the GSO newtonian would be cheeper than the black diamond.
2. no
3. no
The others are fine scopes dont get me wrong but I promise you at some point you are going to want to take pictures of what you see, or rather what you cant see. and whilst you can take pictures with any scope a gem are about the best.
I dont know if you ever looked through a telescope, but the views can be somewhat underwhelming at first. You can forget seeing galaxies with anything less than an 8' scope, and even then that's only if your under dark skies.
have a look at this.
I have nothing to do with the sale of these I dont even know the guys so..
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=53102
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=51952
Bintel sell an 8" newt for $495.
There you go, you have your self a killer set up for your price range