You should be able to run from battle (i know it autosaves and there are healing potions) and when on defense quests, you shouldnt lose every single item you won if you fail.
you should be able to switch wepons with akey and not have to run to th van. round 10 the only cover spots are at the edges of the map: the van on the left and a boulder on the right.so there needs to be a switch weapons key is my point.