does the stats I choose on my shifter affect him when he shapeshifts into his other forms? For example, if my guy had 20 dex as opposed to 13, will there be any bonuses or penalties or such carried over to him when he shapeshifts?

Does the equipment you are wearing affect your shapeshift in any way either? For example, if two shapeshifters of the same level, one without any equipment, one with a full set of level 30 armor both shapeshift and attack each other, will the one with the full set of armor have any advantage?