You can (and should) learn to manipulate the coding in any theme. All four of the issues you mentioned could be completed using under 50 lines of coding. I have a coding background (HTML, CSS, PHP) for 10+ years, but never tried WordPress until I saw this theme and I was able to easily convert it to how I needed including a sidebar on the right (that could have widgets in it, I chose to code my own custom page though).
The slider is an integral part of this theme.
Also, it’s free don’t cry.