I am a private pilot (training for instrument rating) so I believe I can help answer the first question.

Lightning is typically not the biggest problem with flying through thunderstorms. To my knowledge, it is the wind shear[1] that is most dangerous. There's also icing and hail that you may have to worry about.

[1] https://www.weather.gov/media/zhu/ZHU_Training_Page/llws/thu...