In answer to your first question, bare wire is just as good as banana plugs, many of us use the plugs because in tight quarters they are just plain easier to work with.
To the second question, Axiom can offer a much better value by selling Internet direct, there are many excellent speakers out there that can only be bought direct, this allows them to put out a superb product at a great price without the associated retail markups.
I'll let one the more technically proficient guys answer your last questions.
