re 5: SR&ED (the program I assume you're referencing) is 'free' money. If my company can make back 3/4 of a developers salary by doing "proposal writing" why wouldn't they do that?
Go to an info session to find out exactly what CRA's eligibility rules are. It is not that difficult to apply. Generally I have found their attitude to be "the money is there and we really want to give it to you -- because it comes from the taxpayer we just need to do due diligence that what you are claiming is in accordance with the tax act"