Hey, I would have to agree with the above, just been to loads of demo/fitting days recently and this is the general advice I've received from the pros: (Nothing personal meant...just my honest opinion)
A: To know exactly what you need...get fitted. But there's a huge craze with the high-lofted drivers for beginners/GI drivers atm...since it creates more backspin, which reduces sidespin...hence, straighter shots. Also more airtime for those with slower swing speeds/imperfect technique...hence more distance. There are loads of articles online too...about how generally more people would benefit from higher lofted drivers than not. Keep that in mind when selecting a driver. (Also try out some square head drivers...though they may be more on the SGI side). As for stiff/regular...depends on swing speed and technique...since you're looking for GI, I think regular is best.
B: I agree with above (consider a 4-wood)...although the 3-wood is probably the MOST important club in the bag today...arguably more important than even a driver, since it is such a versatile club. It is almost as long as a driver, whilst much more accurate. It can be used both off a tee and off the deck with relative ease. In fact, I would say with today's tech, a 5-wood is obsolete, the hybrid being it's much more effective replacement. My opinion...there's no replacement for a 3-wood. It's better than a 4-wood.
C: My lowest iron is a 5-iron, I replaced the 4-iron with a 23* hybrid. Although I was advised by many to keep the 4-iron and add a 19/20* 3-hybrid as a 3-iron substitute, I decided to go with the 4-hybrid instead. Why? I'd rather have the ease of use of the 4...and sacrifice the little distance lost...and hit a SW rather than LW...or a PW rather than SW for the approach...basically one club higher lofted onto the green. At least I'm on the fairway...and haven't mishit the shot. Not much benefit to be had from having the 3-iron hitting ability in the bag these days...imho.
I would actually add that a 3-iron is (almost) obsolete too...with many pros opting to leave it out and replace it with the hybrid. Hybrids, like 460cc drivers, cavity back irons...are a major tech breakthrough...goodbye long irons.
D: Burner lofts are jacked up.