Hello Avril,

here are my answers below.

1) if you don't want an image, set 'picture' to 'hide' in the 'Picture' tab of the global configuration. But I am not sure that is what you intend to do...

2) I believe you are talking about the Joomla core Contacts component.
You need to override the language key. This time, since it is in the backend, you need to create a language override on the administrator side.
You should find COM_CONTACT_FIELD_INFORMATION_STATE_LABEL

3) If you just want to show the link icon and not the profile, you need to create a 'link field' (section 'links' in the 'fields' tab). This is for the kind of fields you just want an icon for.

You can't have a default value with the default Joomla core Contacts component (where data is collected from).

However, you could use your own country field by creating a custom field of type 'text'. That field can have a default. Then use the custom field you have created instead of the core country field in Trombinoscope Contacts Pro.

To create a custom field, go to Components -> Contacts -> Fields (from the side menu).

Note that the contact must be saved in order for the default value to be taken into consideration anywhere else.

Ok!
You have the option to add a default picture in the global configuration, 'picture' tab.
I will look into how I can modify the behavior so you don't get the message.
Right now, it is either you show pictures, or you don't. I understand what you are trying to achieve.

I was going to suggest a default transparent image or a template override of the contact view. I am preparing a bug fix release and I am thinking of showing the warning ONLY when the shared option 'Show errors' is set to yes. Like that users won't see it.
It's just a matter of a week or 2 before the release.