Items

[Zoider]

I have a few questions about general gameplay;

1. Can I remove an item that I have in play and return it to my hand, or do I need to replace it? ie, I have a 2h sword in play and someone equips thief, can I return the card to my hand to avoid the possibility of it being stolen? Or, to replace an item, 2h sword, do I have to play another 2h sword? If I play a second 2h sword does the first one get discarded, return to hand, or stay in play on the table sideways?
2. What happens to class specific items that are in play if you lease the respected class / race? Do they return to hand or do they remain in play sideways on the table?
3. How many items can be equipped that are not slot specific? Items like the pantyhose of giant strength.
4. Can you have as many carried (sideways) items as you want on the table? If you play a card sideways on the table, can you return it to your hand?
5. I have expansions 1-6. Should I mesh all these sets together?