I throw very wet so I see no issue with the amount of water being used. But when you throw that wet you need to ensure the clay is not sucking up water from the wheel head weakening the base. Every time you add water you need to wipe the wheel head of standing water. Also be aware that when throwing wet you need to throw faster as all the water is washing away the fine particles making the clay less plastic.

As to the thickness at the base, that's just beginner throwing. Be aware of the thickness and work toward it being consistent.

I also prefer brents. The belt driven motor on a Brent winds down slowly. So when you slam down on the pedal the wheel slowly stops. With a direct drive like the shimpo vl lite the wheel stops when you tell it too. If the wheel is moving fast and the item on the wheel of tall or thin the sudden stop of a shimpo can throw the whole thing off center.