I only joined yesterday, so I'm still creating her. I have found some very good pictures for her. This new avatar pic will actually fit in better then the last.
Welcome aboard! I'm new here also, but it's been enough to see that the site has an active and friendly community. Let me know if you need help with anything.
Sure. To give you a straight answer, you don't have to join.
Whatever you think is best for your character and for you as a writer is fine. I think it ultimately depends on how you want to play it. That's the best advice I can offer because I haven't been here long myself.