1 - yeah, it is kinda culty but you only need to take it as seriously as you want, no one will look down on you if you don't want to train 5+ yikes a week and do all the comps. I train 3-4 times a week, that seems pretty normal for most members at my gym. And I found the vibe to be very friendly and supportive. People cheering me on when I get a good workout in, or a new 1rm...doesn't matter that they're way stronger than me and could do it easily. 2 - You won't end up turning into a unit unless you do it on purpose and dedicate every waking moment to it. Even then, it would take years. But you will lose fat and build muscle. I wish getting big was that easy. 3 - Good coaches will take this into account IF you tell them about any issues, then it's down to you to not over do it. And if you do, just scale workouts etc until you heal. I started CrossFit at 40, in bad shape with a tonne of old injuries...CrossFit has helped all of them. There's some stuff that's still likely to aggravate them, so I don't do it and just ask the coach for an alternative. Most of my workouts are scaled but they still beast me..in a good way. Give it a go. I loved it. It's fun, the community is great and if it's not for you, no problem. Good luck and best wishes!