Uneven dynamics, odd approximation of bowing, and odd balance between parts

I've transported the scores below from M3. Crescendos and diminuendos don't work, but I can fix that by re-imputting them and extending a visible dotted line (could that be changed so we can just have the text and the graduation continues until the next written dynamic?). But the violin parts for Intermezzo and Pirates play some notes very very quietly, and others much louder. It almost sounds like it's adding slurs backwards, or trying to mimic bowing by swelling with every note.

With the Sandchen, the 'simile' text does nothing, so I've got to label every note staccato individually, thus creating a lot more visual noise. Also, the piano part for the left hand is MUCH louder than the right hand because there's chordal notes that just stack up the volume.

Does anyone have a work around for these balance/dynamics issues, or is this a bug to be fixed?