4πr^2

I don't see anything in the photo which would cause me concern. I really don't see anything on the left and below the reflection...

For understanding part, the datasheet should have a bunch of graphs tracking performance vs various parameters. The more of those...

Oooff! I don't know that I would push it that hard. FETs in parallel can certainly handle more power but you have to figure there is...

Guess it depends if you think your controller is in greater danger by exposure to water/moisture/dirt/vibration, or you think there is a...