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Does it have buffers (as opposite to files) abstraction, ie. can you open the same file in different windows and work on different parts of it?

Yes you can. I've done it myself many times.

Yes, you just split the current view (vertically or horizontally) or open a new window. Any change to a file will be immediately updated in the other views/windows.

Are you kidding? Vim has all the features you listed and many more...

If you install and configure 2000 plugins. Might as well make your own editor.

yes, clearly installing plugins is only barely easier than writing them yourself.

plugins let vim users pick and choose what they want from their editor. I'm not bashing kate; it's just a different way of doing it. (vim user myself, though I used to be a big fan of kate)

I love the variable coloring. Been using Kate for one C project (inside the KDevelop) and had no problems with it.

"The most feature complete editor after emacs, probably."

That's a pretty bold claim, particularly given the subset of features you listed!