1. i think the first user used colors WITHIN the original palette, so it wasnt a trouble getting it into the game.
2. i think it isnt..try adding another palette for glsmd.shp and see if it works * a word of advice: dont coz it wont

*.
3. no you didnt..simply because your palette was 24-bit colors, the game engine of ra2 ONLY accept 256 colors palette.