Let's see if I can answer in an orderly fashion:

Lead

 The point is that it was very much his own style, his trade mark.
 Looking at the sentence now, it makes perfect sense. Please do. )
 I agree. That sentence was not "hatched" it was "contrived". Will think about it, suggestions welcome!
 Why not? I was just afraid that the article would be "top heavy" with a longer lead. I'll just put it in my notes for tomorrow, it's too late for me to think right now.

General

 Learned something new here. Thanks! )
 Please do. I've "gone blind" on the article for the moment...

Early life

 My usual errors, not combining words. Please correct. )

 Thanks! -Talk