ad 1)
in default Maemo I would guess disable power save in wlan settings the best try
or install 'autodisconnect' settings plugin

ad2)
not heard about hildon-desktop freezing. More likely hildon-home?
you will find threads and posts of mine for workarounds. Using cssu this should be obsolete.
if it really is desktop you still might go via a DCEW or QueenBeecon widget executing your shell command (if it is home freezing no chance )

ad 3)
ctrl-shift-x not working?
I have a terminal (top) shortcut in power button menu and can access x-term that way

sorry for shortness, in hurry ...