I can answer #2.
Yes, you can run higher compression ratios on boosted motors now thanks to better engine management and tuning practices. I built a two liter watercooled VW than ran 12 psi of boost on the stock 9.6:1 CR. Made 100% more power over stock using 91 octane. Used a p-n-p obd2 e-prom chip from a reliable VW tuner. The tune was conservative and ran modest timing advance and lots of fuel.
I've seen plenty of instances of people running fairly high boost on 10:1 motors. Just be conservative with the tune.
