RB Installation Clarifications ("Can they be 'crippled?'")

Hello,
I am one of the members of the Axis and Allies forumini, one of the websites dedicated to the Axis and Allies miniatures that you developed. We are still going strong and have lots of members passionate about all three minis games you created. We sincerely appreciate the work you put into making Axis and Allies minis a big success with the fans. I am writing because there have been many questions that have erupted about the Axis and Allies Naval Miniatures piece from the Surface Action set, the Heavy Shore Battery. Because it is an installation and not a ship, the question as to whether or not it can be crippled has come up. This has led to many other questions about what happens to the HSB because Installations are not in the rule book and "unit" is defined as a ship, submarine, or aircraft. So, specifically I was wondering if you could give some thought to these questions and then provide some answers.

1) Can Installations be damaged and crippled like Ships?
2) If not, how is the process different?
3) Can Installations contest objectives?
4) Do they attack during the Surface Attack Phase?
5) How do special abilities that reference Ships (Excellent Spotting, Covering Fire, Press the Attack, etc.) interact with Installations?

My friends and I would certainly welcome clarification on these questions and any other insight you may have on Installations or anything else associated with your wonderful games.
All the best,