1) He still lives.
2) He loved Kairi. It's perfectly normal for someone to sacrifice themselves for someone they love. Just look at *counts* almost every Final Fantasy game. XD
Shadows, Neo-Shadows, Wyverns, those spherical ones in Hollow Bastion that look suspiciously like Glalie.. >.> and.... Behemoth and Darkside (The giant ones)
Work on leveling up Vaan, Penelo, and Fran first. Balthier's guns are incredibly weak compared to other weapons, and his Quickens aren't that great. Basch... I just don't like the guy. >.> and with Ashe.... ENOUGH SWORD-WEILDERS ALREADY!!! Plus, Vaan's Quickens are the most damaging, Penelo's are easier to recharge, with moderate damage, and Fran's are very damaging, maybe more than Vaan's.