I use wider borders on the top and bottom all the time. When I do that, I sew the wider borders on first and then I do the narrower side borders. Mitering the borders when they're different widths is more difficult, but it can be done.

I do it all the time. I don't miter borders.

I will sometimes add another row of the blocks to make it longer :sew:

Yes. I have seen several in this group that were done very creatively. Some like to put smaller versions of the blocks in them so it is more interesting.

You are making the quilt - you get to decide what you want to do! I would suggest you make one block and see if you like it, if so, go for it!

YES. I have done so several times since I prefer rectangular quilts. Be creative...do whatever YOU want to do :-)

What ever you want.....it is your quilt. I have done this many times.