i would not play a server with donation (other than decorative) and i try to see if the owner know how to run it (better than just unziping a precompiled server)
you can have some fun a few days on anything high, but if you want to play in the long run, x3 is enough to have a level 70 char in a week. anything faster isn't fun
I think it vary with each update, but so far HE has speed, HP and damage. I dont use snipe a lot because i like preserving my mobility but it's still a good archer. If you realy have to often play unbuffed, you might want to have a look to SR.