awtil:
1. I don't understand what the problem with image direct access is, the image is seen anyway. If you fear unallowed use of your high or full resolution images, then simply upload already sized images.
2. Hitcounter, latest images etc are already implemented in zenphoto.
3. If you can I suggest you wait with your translation, otherwise you probably would have to do it twice. We are planning to implement gettext for localization, but that will probably happen in zenphoto 1.3