I’m going to take a stab at question # 6:
6. How does Bae play into Rumpelstiltskin’s fascination with children?
I think Rumpel’s fascination with children stems from his relationship with Bae. We’re still not clear on why or how Rumpel lost him, but it’s pretty safe to say that him becoming the Dark One had something to do with it. Personally, I think Rumpel only uses children as currency with certain people. Those who ask for the world on a platter (Cinderella) are charged with highest possible price. Cinderella not only wanted to attend the ball, but she also wanted to find true love and become a princess. Wanting to obtain that much power in that short amount of time is not only selfish, but it’s reckless. Very similar to what Rumpel did when he became the Dark One. So, if his costumers are going to ask for the world, then he’s going to demand something that means the world to them. And in most cases, that’s a child. Rumpel’s short-sidedness and recklessness led to the loss of his child, so he probably has a fair amount of contempt for anyone who shares these same reckless characteristics.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he sends the children he’s taken to other more respectful families. We’ve already seen evidence of this in “The Shepherd.” James’ mother makes a deal with Rumpel and trades one of her twins for the farm. That child was then sent to the King. So, Rumpel doesn’t sacrifice or harm the children, he just sends them to more respectable families. Though, it could be argued that the family James was sent to was…um…let’s just say not very respectful.