Hi Jason,

The mechanism at the root of these problems is cron - that is Prgram cron and Course cron are run at different times (mainly for faster processing); you are correct.

The settings can be adjusted here: 

/totara/program/cron.php

line #61     $hourlycron = 60 * 60;

line #86     $dailycron = 60 * 60 * 24;

so 60*60 is an hour in seconds, and *24 is a day

1) Unfortunately its not possible to have programs sel-enrollable at present.

2) The only way to do this would be to set up dynamic audiences 

3) This is possible - dont set a minimum time required or a due date.

4) This should be fine if you have your completion critera set within the courses & the program.

Hope this is useful Jason - do get back if there is anything else.

regards,

George.