Yo Deano,
Welcome and I'll try through my Merlot infused haze to shed some light on the quirks of the 2.5 CRD Cherokee.
Mrs. got a 2003 one with 120K on the clock.
1. do not recognize the vague braking issue. Changed discs & pads + hand brake shoes earlier this year and braking is pretty responsive.

2. Clutch....yep....your left leg will shortly resemble Arnie Swarzeneggers. Mrs. can crush a walnut with her calves

3. Do not know what the issue might be here....if any.
4. You can adjust handbrake with the adjusters in the drum. Inside rear drum, pri out rubber dust cap and turn adjusters until ok.
5. Yep.....blower only works on 4. No biggy here....yeah would need to replace but her indoors doesn't mind so not too bothered.
Although its got the vastly improved VM lump (over the XJ) I'd still keep an eye on the fluids and not let oil go past 5000 miles.
When tyres came up bagged 4 sport rims + new Goodyear Wranglers (incl.) off the bay for 200 squids....buy of the century.

Only major issue was an intermittant brake down....one of the data transmission cables running under the airbox severed. £2.50 bit of cable......£350 Jeep garage bill

All in all Mrs. is very happy with the truck.
Focus...

.....Pfffffffffffff