DY- maskim to both your points.
Regarding the first point, I think it has to do with the Torah perspective on hishtadlus. As believing Jews, we believe that everything comes from Hashem. Hishtadlus is something we have to do because Hashem wants us to, but not because the hishtadlus is what makes things happen (see Mesilas Yesharim, Chovos Halevavos and all other mussar sefarim).
Since everything comes from Hashem, and hishtadlus is just something that we do because Hashem wants us to, it is logical to assume that hishtadlus that is against the Torah will not “help” us any (see chovos halevavos). Hishtadlus that involves insensitivity to others will not accomplish anything.