1. A forger is bound to Sel, and not even just the planet a specific region
2.Plate and blades can touch aluminum
3.Yes speculation without evidence is outside the domain of this discussion.
From what I recall a section is counted as the entire area
meaning that you don't have multiple layers of breastplate it's just one section, unless you mean something else.
Preservation was also in much better condition at that point.
I don't think he went from zero to were he's at, that would have been too much of an investment on Leras's part, but I do think it's possible if not likely that his power was boosted.