D3K & Leading off

[richez]

We had two situations last night which we hope you can clarification for us.

1) D3K - of course. Here's the situation: less than 2 outs, bases loaded, strike three is dropped. Is the batter not automatically out because 1st was occupied and there were less than two outs? The umpire ruled when the ball was dropped and went past the catcher, all runners tried to steal the next base, which meant 1st wasn't occupied, and that is why the BR wasn't automatically out. As I understand it, if 1st is occupied with less than 2 outs when the ball is pitched, and D3K occurs, the batter is out, correct?

2) Leading off or Look Back Rule: runner on 3rd, batter took ball 4, but went slowly to 1st, pitcher received ball and was in possession of ball while in the circle, the BR then touched 1st while rounding toward 2nd and she stopped
once, and immediately went back to 1st. Opposing coach yelled "leading off" and the ump called her out. My interpretation is, even if the pitcher has the ball in the circle, the batter/runner is allowed to round 1st, make one stop, and then must immediately continue to 2nd or go back to 1st.
The coach argued the BR must hit 1st before the ball is in the pitcher's possession in the circle. If that is true, then everyone leads off because we all steal 2nd from a walk with a runner on 3rd, and usually the pitcher has the ball before the BR touches 1st. He also stated the BR is not allowed one stop, before immediately going to 2nd or returning to 1st.

Thanks for your help and time, RICHEZ