Early Expansion Question

[Edratman]

As a SP I have some questions.

1. I read somewhere, sometime, that in MP idies are kept at default of 5. Is that so? (I play at indies 9, for no reason other than that is the way my game style developed, but I have trouble making 3 unbeatable armies by turn 8.)
2. If indies are set at 5, what is the reason? Is it because it was the easiest choice to make or because indies at 9 would handicap too many nations with weak national troops.
3. Do you sacrifice almost all research in the opening phase by commiting every piece of gold to troops and commanders?
4. Do you garrison or PD conquered indies with anything more than a mere token force to maximize capitol troop purchases? If so, is this done as a tacit acknowledgment that your neighbors probably will not attack you until phase two starts?