M2L3 just hoping for a quick but clear answer to make sure I understand correctly

1: is the pentagram breastplate necessary after opening the gates, before proceeding with the rest of the ritual? It seems clear that the hexagram does not have it, and the full pentagram seems to essentially be its own big breastplate action, making the basic one redundant.

2: After the releasing action in the north, I should walk a full circle around the directions before returning the contact to exit the space to the East, correct? Seems to stick to the rule of absolutes but the instructions saying "turn and go to the East" really seems to point to just going right there without going around. This part seems especially important since it will affect the sigilization of the ritual.

​I have seen a comment from Josephine about this but it didn't fully help me answer the question. It's okay if I just need to figure it out but a solid answer would be helpful.

Bonus: does anyone make a distinction between "go to the North and face the center flame" vs "stand before the center altar facing south"? What about between "walk around the directions" vs "walk around the center flame"? In my small space it ultimately doesn't make a difference, just curious if anyone else makes a distinction between those. I'm thinking probably not.