RE: Opinions on a new rifle
#1... absolutely
#2... no they shouldn't. Most ramped sights are plenty far enough foward so not to interfere with scopes.
#3... I much prefer an oil finsihed stock to a varnished stock. IMO a varnished stock just does not look like a hunting rifle. Too shiny for my tastes. Most varnishes tend to "yellow" over time also.