1) Yes

2) Simms Limb Savers do a good job, as does a good active stabilizer. String Leeches can often be put in without the use of a bowpress depending on how tightly your string is twisted. How do you spread the strands? They call it a fingernail. Then serve above and below them to keep them in the string. Personally, I think they are over -rated, overpriced, and don't last worth a dran. They don't do anything a good pair of $1.50 Catwhiskers won't do. And the Catwhiskers will still be on the string when you replace it.

I'll add that most bows are pretty quiet right out of the box. What usually makes most of the noise is cheap, plastic accessories. Buy good ones.