I agree with you.

Edit: The steps below also fix the first issue. (Restart required?)

For your second issue it's been discussed at https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/23856847 and https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/firefox-mobile-toolbar-redesign-needs-a-compact-mode/td-p/62031

You can use the secret menu to disable the navigation toolbar. https://firefox-source-docs.mozilla.org/mobile/android/fenix/Secret-settings-debug-menu-instructions.html

As for the first problem, if someone finds a fix I'd be happy to know. (Edit: Err, actually these steps fixed it?)

Anyone else hate this? I don’t want a dumbed down bar. If Im on the homepage, I want to know. Same as if I’m on a subpage.

This is done for user safety from phishing, and is very much not something power users needs. But any non-power user exclusively benefits from this at no downside. It should be toggleable though, isn't it?