3. Can Solidworks directly, or indirectly (through some plug in) generate g-code?
We use a plugin called "VisualMill" which I have been VERY happy with. It essentially allows you to automatically generate and/or manually define toolpaths right within SolidWoks. It then can export G-Code directly.
http://www.visualmillforsolidworks.com/
__________________
In life, what you give, you keep. What you fail to give, you lose forever...