1) No...good training wisdom, carefully planned workouts & moderate weight made a lot of BB'er successful.
2) No...If training with serious intent, one per week body part. Rule of thumb-2 days between any workout, if wanting to do more..
3) Yes..less can certainly give more..always a mistake adding, rather that reducing exercises, sets and workout days when gains stall.
4) Yes...compounds. If machines give equal results, than adapt them into a workout. No one decides what work for you, only you.
5) Yes..try adding 1,200-1,500 good quality calories over your daily maintenance requirements. Six light meals a day usually works well.
6) Yes..big time...see 1,2,3,4 & 5. If nothing physically wrong, serious illness, crack head, etc, the overwhelming odds are just about anyone can show impressive gains. Pretty simple stuff, really. Even gains into later years of life. Good Luck.