1. Military planetary bases
2. Maybe. Wouldn't be my first choice. FDL is a shield tank. Most Xeno attacks go through shileds. Take a conda, or a cutter if you can. Even a FGS is better, can at least carry a SLF.
3. Yes, and no. There will be a material trader to get stuff that you are missing., but you will always trade at a loss. But you still need materials, Just not a special one at all cost.