You probably just haven´t read all there is to read, I also use 3 inch
As of now the CRL dosent require internal strapping for any level - only how it looks as a whole from the outside, the strapping only comes upp in the application if said strapping affects the look of the armor.. The CRL is under discussion and some changes are likely to be made, internal strapping is not one of them at this point. So what type of thigh strapping one uses is personal preference, if you want screen accuracy than it´s 3" elastic, some use 2" and another might use 1" webbing etc.
Personal preference - I like the hooks as it´s screen accurate, some like the velcro.
It´s beacause the armor broke and it´s "on-set repair". You can see the original holes in the return edge