a. What do you mean half sized? Like the whole thing is scaled down? Make sure you have "64" selected for icon size in the settings window. If a partial icon is showing, try resizing the applet by grabbing the handle at the lower right hand corner.
b. What application are you clicking? How many times does it take to disappear?
c. Click the "Home" text at the top of the desktop screen, go to "Applet settings" and click "Personal Launcher"