Those were basically the same complaints I had. I spent more time trying to make it right before I even got to the model. I remember the Engine exhausts you were talking about. I'm glad mine came with the resin ones. As difficult they were to work with they looked a heck of a lot better then those supplied with the kit.
Did you round off the intake on the belly or did it come like that? It looks real good so far. I have a feeling this model will come out looking great.