1) It will be taking place here so that we don't have to try and coordinate everyone's schedules too much. 
2) After some thought I have decided to allow Unearthed Arcana content as long as player's all pulling their information from the same sources. 
3) If by optional rules you mean house rules I am allowing players to invest 10 skill points at level 1, 2 skill points at each additional level (skill checks are scaled to take into account that players can invest in these skills). Feats are another house rule that will be more complicated to explain but I will later on this evening. 
4) I have corrected the original post as it should have said players will start at level 5...I apparently was tired when posting.
5) I do not have a lot of posts on the forum but have been playing D&D for about 5 years and DMing for about 3. As to how you will know I am committed to a long term adventurer I don't think there is anything I can give other than my words. 

Interest or not, I appreciate the questions.