Face claims. Whatever fits the situation and genre to be honest. 

Colour codes, I think letting people use there own layouts as long as all the key details are in works well. It means people can personalise and maybe be more invested. 

Right.... Main image and use hinders and appendix images. Easier to read. 

As above, provide the categories, long as there filled and done, it's not a issues. Especially with slice of life. Let people decide what extra info they want to add. 

Try to get to know players or learn abit about them, it seems to have worked, on both 350+ and 500+ post roll play Ive done with help. We even completed one, so I can say our ideas where not a failure! 

In general. No hard and fast rule. 
Adapt to what works. 
No point fighting the tides of RPG.