I feel called upon to once again point out that UFO:AI is not developed democratically. What the majority thinks is irrelevant to a large degree.
Yet you do seem to take into consideration. Bribes may work, if people contributed more, they could demand it.
Or if they contributed more, they could do it themselves. Heck, let's go with that one, someone who feels it's necesary, change it so it is that way. Otherwise, it will stay the same, and people will still love the game.
Personally, I like the idea that bullets shoot from gun, and I feel it would be weird if they didn't. As for moving the gun around. You'd end up doing it every action (If my assumption of it being part of the view mode sorta thing is fair), prolonging missions, and adding an unnecesary layer.