[vales]

1) I never see npc's displaying weapons including guards and anything I encounter to fight

It's a known issue. Don't know if there's a fix yet.

2) Some of the npc's have their faces on the side of their heads. I have seen this in the freeport guards and most people in Oggok.

Also a known issue. If you haven't noticed already, the giants of Norrath (sand giants, hill giants, etc.) have the wrong textured heads. They're all green cyclops. Some models are wrong too, like the basilisks.

3) All the armor types only display a basic, uncolored (silverish) model. For instance crafted armor, crustacean, and bronze armor would all look the exact same. Also there is only 1 helmet model that is will show. Also every helm is partially see through.

Try updating your items with the latest 13th floor. Everything on how to do it is on the wikki. After I updated the items, most of the stuff shows up correctly including robes.

As for the helm issue, they never stay when you zone, and even if you turn it on, you're the only only one that can see them. If you update the items, they should show up as well. Turn off advanced lighting in the options menu and your armor will show up correctly (shoulder and boots as well, except helmet of course).

4) Pets don't display the weapons I give them

Again, update your items. When I give them weapons, they show up fine. Including the Blade of Walnan. There are some models that don't show, but for the most part, everything I've given them shows up fine.