Just a quick note about cannons. You can use the pilot skill 'Lock Trajectory' to help keep your target in your 45 degree arc. It lets you spin your ship while keeping your momentum going in the original direction. It's a nice nod to Newtonian physics.
As far as I understand it, you should receive a bridge officer, but I can't say for sure since I had the same problem. It's not a huge train smash given the availability of them, but it's somewhat annoying. Under normal circumstances, I believe you'll receive a mission in your quest log to accept the incoming Boff.
I gotta agree with the whole skinny legs in skirt thing. I tried my character in a skirt and the results were, uh, strange when setting her to run. I'm pretty sure her knees crossed over one another which has got to make for the most awkward running stride ever.
You can't upgrade a skill in its rank bracket. e.g. The ensign-level Boff skill will always be Emergency Power to Engines I or Torp: High Yield I. Your Boff can learn Torpedo High Yield II once they hit a higher rank, but then you'll have two of the same skill. This forces you to make choices as to what skills you favour.