I just use basic swipe pattern too.
No security needed ,because I always have my phone in my possession or close by.I have water effect off, as well as ripple effect
Again, just the swipe to keep butt dialing away. I'm not concerned about "secrets" in the phone since I don't keep any of them in there. I don't use it as a wallet to keep credit card info, financial records or lists of passwords like some might.
None at this time. I tried to have some while at work since at times I would lay my phone in my station (only way to get signal in that building) and accidently walk away without it, but it became a pain to use while driving so I just said forget it. Just the swype to keep from butt dialing
I am not completely familiar with it, but from what I've heard it is very impressive with its ability to automate things. I'm sure you can set it to change your lock screen when connected to a certain network.