Yes. All those parts are machined to the same dimensional specifications, and are interchangeable between brands and makes. Likewise, both mil spec and commercial spec tubes are threaded the same to be screwed into the back of the lower receiver.
The only instances of a receiver not accepting extension tubes which I'm aware of was the first run of receivers from Roggio Arsenal, out of Fayetteville, NC. They had to recall their entire first production run because they had the threads for the extension tube coupling threaded incorrectly.
On the AR15/ M16, the spring is retained by the buffer. The buffer is retained by a pin located at the lower outer edge of the extension tube.
Actually, maker claims to INCREASE reliability.
No. A standard AR15 has a buffer tube that runs inside the stock that contains the recoil spring.
You need the services of a CNC machinist.
Without resorting to these crappy cast receivers (such as Hesse/Blackthorn), the cheapest assembled rifles are going to be the 'bargain bin' rifles from CMMG. If you're looking to build one, Del-Ton had the cheapest complete build kit (minus the lower) at $450.
The direct impingement system requires a fair amount of maintenance. Gas piston uppers have problems with carrier tilt. The 5.56x45 cartridge isn't as powerful as the larger caliber cartridges it replaced. The aluminum used in the receivers has a lower melting point than steel.
Average is around $350. If you are looking for a stripped lower receiver, the price should hang around $100.
Unless you have a Class III firearm and will be firing on full auto, rate reduction is a non-issue. A big problem with piston driven ARs is carrier tilt, and you should probably seek out an anti-tilt carrier and buffer setup, first and foremost.
Variant of the AR-15 manufactured by Colt. It had a 'slab side' lower and no forward assist.
The bolt carrier would not return, another round would be chambered, and you'd likely have to replace a bolt carrier, buffer tube, buttstock (if using a fixed buttstock), and buffer spring (if the spring was in the extension tube). You could also cause injury to yourself if the bolt carrier ended up going through the back of the extension tube.
First do a full functional clear, eject the mag, rack the bolt/carrier to eject any casing. Next fully clean the gun. Check for broken or weak parts in bolt/carrier, gas system, and buffer system. Use quality ammo. If it still doesn't then take the gun to someone who knows how to work on ar15 rifles.
The name "AR15" can only be used by Colt and companies which licence their product from Colt. Other manufacturers usually use some sort of variation for the sake of legality, such as DPMS with "A15", "AP4", etc., DoubleStar with "STAR 15", and so forth. So, from that perspective, only a Colt or Colt licenced product technically qualifies as an AR15. But, from a legal perspective (as far as so-called assault weapons ban laws go), most anything designed/patterned after the AR15 will qualify, including gas piston upper systems, receivers made from castings (such as Norinco, Hesse/Blackthorn, etc.), and different calibre rifles.