On sending first - I almost make everyone send first with me. I've completed trades of greater than $700 where people have sent first to me since they have significantly lower rep. I think my new baseline is about 150 trades completed or previously have traded with me before for a simulsend. But, hey, each people can set their own rules. Those are just mine. I have never had problems and you can ask anyone who has traded with me, the turnaround from me is fast. Typically if someone isn't willing to at least discuss sending first, I won't even trade with them because that seems off. Once again, just my opinion.
In fact, recent rep comment: "Only took one week from when i sent my cards to when i got the cards from him. Very quick." from Mazinem.
On cross-format&trading down - I don't always accept trades cross-formats, but sometimes I do. I think it depends how badly I need the card one way or the other. Same goes for trading down, sometimes I'm willing to trade down. Sometimes I ask for extra value in a trade down, which I also think is fair.
Also marumari is right, the "new" features were set to debut in February/March this year. So much for that. 
