I have the same problem with the short thread tail. I posted a thread on this board a couple of months ago and several suggested not to use all three holes in the first tension bar as mentioned above. However I have found that if my VERY first needle down-thrust is through fabric (not just thin air before stitching through fabric) the thread catches and I Can keep sewing without it coming out of the needle.
as for your 1/4 inch foot I bought a generic high shank 1/4" foot with a guide on eBay and it works great. I will try to find the reference on that foot for you. I love love love my Juki!!!