Few combat-related questions

I'm using Realistic Battle mod but I'll take any answers, RBM or vanilla, just please state what are you commenting on!

I'm having trouble to learn how to fight in 1vMany scenarios when on foot. The opportunities to learn are very scarce and it's very punishing to fail. I guess you could just stack movement speed and strafe with a long weapon or something? I can clear hideouts solo and 1v1 pretty much anyone, but I really struggle with 1vMany even against Looters
Blocking requires 2 inputs (block button & directional button). Is there any way to make it work so that I can just hold down block and use mouse to change direction? I found a mod that is supposed to do it but it seems very outdated and crashes the game on startup
Thrown weapons get increased speed with skill levels Their starting range is really poor, but if I understand correctly projectile speed adds to both range and damage. Can they ever rival stuff like Noble Longbow or Hickory Crossbow in terms of range/accuracy? I guess the damage is superior?
Is charging with the mount any good? I noticed it deals a bit of damage and that there are some perks that enhance it, is it worthwhile to pursue? Not talking about weapon attacks, just the physical impact of the mount
Both Bows and Crossbows have perk to use the more powerful versions on mounts. Stuff like Hickory Crossbow and Noble Longbow. Are these perks important?

Bonus questions:

Mount And Blade Game