1) I assume you mean the DA Limiteds? Pentax also has 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/2.4 that are faster, though do not have the build quality. Image quality is reputed to be very good. The Limiteds are special and are designed to deliver exceptional image quality in the smallest package possible, which means speed was sacrificed for size. If you want a fast lens look at Sigma, they have nice glass but it is huge and heavy, price you pay for 'fast'.
2) Ok
3) Pentax is no longer a 'company' but a brand name of Ricoh. One of the largest companies in the world. I have a number of reservations about where Pentax is going, 'economically weak' is definitely not one of them.
For a simple setup like you describe the Pentax 'value proposition' is hard to beat. Pentax offers features in their bodies that others only have in higher end ones. In addition the best feature of Pentax is the ergonomics, how it feels in your hand. They used to say "pick up a Pentax and you will buy a Pentax" (or something like that) Unfortunately ergonomics are not easy to 'review' or 'rate' on review sites so what I think is the best feature mostly does not get mentioned.
Originally posted by Truxtar In all honesty, can you recommend a new buyer wanting to build a good system over some time with Pentax and their K-Mount? With no gear at all, starting from the scratch?
Yes, as long as you will not need in the future some exotic things like 600mm f/4. Pentax is a smaller brand in market share and will not have the width of lens offerings than others have. But if you do not need those why worry about it? For general everyday photography they do an excellent job with great features and best in class ergonomics.