Totally Noob Questions

[DaveG28]

Thinking of getting into 8th but literally never even looked into it before, so couple of quick questions:

Are they 2 channel? Eg do the mechanical brakes work off the same servo as the throttle?

If so, any reason not to use my 10th receiver?

How f***ed am I at most meetings if I don't have a pit bitch? In emergencies can I leave my tranny on the rostrum and refuel myself?

How reliable are most engines?