Salaam - Curious about some Islamic practices, please help me understand

Assalamu Alaikum - I’m not Islamophobic, just asking out of genuine curiosity. I’d appreciate thoughtful answers from Muslims with references to the Qur’an, hadith, or trustworthy Islamic scholarship. I’m open to being corrected. 1. Polygamy - The allowance of up to four wives is confusing to me. It seems unfair to women and, in practice, can lead to exploitation or give men an excuse to be unfaithful. Can someone explain the context, conditions, and limits that make this permissible in Islam, and how it’s meant to protect women rather than harm them? 2. Talaq (divorce) - From what I’ve seen, divorce can sometimes be too easy and leave women vulnerable. How does Islamic law protect women in divorce situations? Are there safeguards or procedures that prevent misuse of talaq by men? 3. Jizya - The tax on non-Muslims under a Muslim ruler seems unjust and discriminatory. What was the original purpose and context of jizya, and how do scholars interpret it today in modern, plural societies? 4. Halala - I’ve heard about the practice where a divorced woman must marry and be divorced by another man before remarrying her first husband. This sounds open to abuse and harmful to women. What is the correct Islamic teaching on this, and how do scholars address exploitative situations involving consent? 5. Purdah/covering - Even if intended modestly, covering rules can feel like they erase a woman’s identity or freedom. How do Islamic teachings balance modesty with a woman’s autonomy and public participation? What flexibility exists across cultures? 6. Marriage with non-Muslims - I don’t understand restrictions on marrying outside Islam (aside from the exception for People of the Book). Why is there a distinction, and how is it justified when people’s character can be good or bad regardless of religion? 7. The reward descriptions in the afterlife - The idea of 72 virgins and similar descriptions feels demeaning and inconsistent with Islam’s prohibition of premarital sex. Are these descriptions literal, metaphorical, or mistranslated? How do reputable scholars interpret such texts without objectifying women? Please answer sincerely and cite Qur’anic verses, hadith, or respected scholarly works where possible. I’m asking to understand better, not to insult. JazakAllahu Khairan for your time.