Superman, I may be able to help you out with ONE of your issues. Once you do pry the hood open there are two rubber bump stops, one on each side of the engine bay, at the front of the VX. I believe that they are on the bulkhead in front of the radiator. If you unscrew those stops so that they become taller (for lack of a better description) they should help to hold the hood up a little so that it doesn't become wedged into the hood latch. Also, try squirting a little grease on the hood latch mechanism to help lube it up.
Worth a try.