The ZE is great isnt it? I just recently got one as well and have had similar problems.
1) This happened to me, I figured I am just bad at working the clutch... Not really sure what to tell you here.
2) I also no longer have a CEL. After searching around, it appears that Japanese cars dont have one either, so if you have a JDM ECU, that explains it. I hear there is a way to pull CEL codes, but I havent gotten around to checking it out.
3) My driver side VRIS actuator wouldnt activate either, but that was because the dumb mechanic only had one VRIS solenoid hooked up to both actuators, so today I fixed the problem by installing the second VRIS solenoid and properly hooking up the hoses. When I revved the engine I saw both actuators move. Maybe you just need to rev it higher?
4) The cause of your tire baldness problem would be your first gear. I think my first gear is faulty as well, it just makes a loud screeching sound followed by a burnt rubber smell.
