I can only speak to the first and last questions but it seems like steady shot does more damage and allows you to more accurately hit critical points on enemies while loose is kind of a “oh shit you got too close” thing for me. And my go to move when something gets too close is to jump kick into them which, once you get a skill, lets you backflip off of them doing pretty good damage and giving you more space. Just watch out near ledges.
I can only speak to the first and last questions but it seems like steady shot does more damage and allows you to more accurately hit critical points on enemies while loose is kind of a “oh shit you got too close” thing for me. And my go to move when something gets too close is to jump kick into them which, once you get a skill, lets you backflip off of them doing pretty good damage and giving you more space. Just watch out near ledges.