Can anyone with more insight into the development of the EE elaborate on this? Is the respawn rate different to the "classic" version?

It's most likely based on combat difficulty level.

op has send me a chat message but his security settings don't allow me to reply, so I'm posting here - not sure about this issue, but it's something that can happen in any version (an original bug), I believe.

Well I always thought of it as a feature :)
You can always skate away of the danger if needed.. now the fact most newbie players are missing is the hint book! it's included in the downloads and it's awesome at pointing you in the right direction if stuck without spoiling the experience!