Hi
1) If I recall correctly thats the way CDJs work, its been a while since I've used one thanks to controllers lol, so Pioneer have mimicked it in software. A setting to change the behaviour would be nice though.
2) Go to Preferences > Controller > Deck [tab]. In the Hot Cue section enable "During pause, GATE playback is applied." (Yes I know, thats a bit of a weird/cryptic name!)