Well apart from Macross I quite like the Battletech Universe with its focus on warfare and political intrigue. Mass effect is also particularly engaging but I never really liked their mechanical designs.
My favourite universe if I may, is Asimov's Foundation but insofar only exists in books so may not qualify.
Check your order status on your account page, the cost of the item will be reflected there and IIRC it is fixed when you order not when you pay or got it shipped.
Same here, they've been processing my order post payment for a week now.
Bandai has a range of S. H. Figuarts but that's mostly used for kamen riders and precure female figures so they do have a range for that. However a Figma sculpt will probably be your best bet, as they beat kaiyodo's Fraulein hands down, imo.
They've been heavily discounted everywhere actually, seems that the batch didn't sell well at all. Regarding your second question no help here as I've not bought any.