Brushless install questions.

I just got my mgm 8012 in today (used from a guy in another forum, Mike was out of stock) and I am getting ready to install it and my feiago 8s into my rustler. I have a couple of install questions:

1.) Can I bend the leads on the motor so they face the direction of the controller?

2.) If it doesn't reach can I put some short leads in between the leads from the controller and the motor?

3.) What else should I do pryor to turning it on.

4.) How is programing on this controller? Easy or Hard to do?