@1: One positive sign is that we are seeing a widening number of them getting more and more varied roles. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Idris Elba are rising stars, and getting much praise. Certainly in the studios there is not as much diversity, but there is a common movement from star to director which is promising for those folks.
@3, same. If I were in some sort of odd multiverse scenario then I'd prefer one where I could physically feel/enjoy my 2d representation pressed up against sasha fierce.
They may make up a good number of the players, but they are not making the decisions or signing the paychecks.