Bring the melodies out more with a waveshaper and shape the sound transients to your liking. I also think the rasslebock pitching is really loud on some sections but that's not the issue. I think it's just your effect chain that's making things wonky in my opinion
It's your preference. But honestly just do simple things, if the device doesn't work really well for you then you can alternate with another thing. you don't always need to sidechain. it all depends on your preference
mixing wise, it’s Alr, listening from my speakers, the 2nd is a tad bit louder than the 1st one, and the Mel could be brought a bit forward being drowned out a lil. But overall I love this