I have not once paid attention to the rotation orientation of the thermostat, and I have never had an issue. So I am going to say it does not matter what the rotation orientation is. Spring goes up like the rest mentioned.
Under $1000 coils last max of 2-3 years, while kybs and h&rs will last you 10 years.
You can put konis on our car easy, wrx stuff fits the same and they make them for the wrx.
The limited differences are painted body moldings (skirts, lips, mirrors), upgraded sound system and leather. Everything else is the same between the limited and non-limited.