Address mandatory for EC?

I will most probably end up giving a hotel address when I apply for EC. Is this something that's not recommended? I do not plan to move to UK for good anytime soon, but just want to get the EC before my HSMP approval letter becomes invalid....

Do I *have* to give the date I am plannning to come to UK when applying for EC, because I don't and won't know the date...

I have read somewhere I can request for the EC to be deferred by three months... i.e. if I apply in July I can request for the EC to be valid from October.... is this true, and if so, is it looked upon by the consulate officers as something negative..?

I have been unable to figure out as to how much money to show for EC..... some have said it depends on where I plan to be in UK.... if it's London then I'll need to show "more"..... can someone give a rough idea as to what kinda figures we're talking abt here....

Appreciate any responses.