1) I like the Gen 6. (But what do I know? I liked the early COT / Gen 5 with the wing.) When I want better (read: exotic) looking, I go to Wally at look at the latest Hot Wheels; or glance at F1.
2) The point of having the race cars look like the production cars is because the manufacturers want to make sales.
3) Well, I hate plate racing, but I didn't see it anywhere outside Daytona and 'Dega.
4) I thought the 2014 racing was better than 2013. The statistics support that.
That said, I'm not looking forward to any form of engine restriction. I'd rather see them go to smaller blocks or displacement. Make the tires wear so the newer guys will have to relearn their tire management skills.