1. There are a couple of "User Bytes" that you can program in. Several are used in the default code I think. There is a space for them in the dashboard viewer. Also on the bottom of the user_routines.h file is "user_mode_byte" which you can view by pressing mode which is under the LCD display on your IO.
2. yeah, the Jumper is right between dashboard and port 1, you cant miss it
3. I have been looking for a solution to this as well, but to no avail, sorry.
Maybe you could store some stuff to the EEPROM if there are a few vital things you need that you cant get any other way. The dashboard way would be much easier though.