Yes, 1) is more restrictive, but it was as a sort of 'lighter' version, so as to provide a noticeable disadvantage that wasn't extremely harsh on power players.
As a Stalker (and I have played quite a few), the majority of damage comes from Backstabs, so I tend to use weapons a thief can backstab with effectively.
Assassination as a HLA?
For 3), I meant a better gain in points/level, to keep increasing, instead of having a larger starting boost.
For the Archer, having a sort of Snipe ability, which would provide a critical hit (and possibly a backstab) for one hit.
Icen
Icen