Everyone, I've been playing in some local tournaments of late and I've noticed people are interpretting rules differently at these competitive events. I might be in the wrong as I am learning, but can you help me?

1. Special Strikes (feints and stabs etc). Pg 88-89 of the rule book says these strikes must be called before either player makes a duel roll. If this is true, why are people telling me they are feiting or stabbing AFTER they win the fight. I don't think that's fair because in the case of stab, they'd suffer an immediate str 2 hit if they lose the fight. Why are people declaring after they win a fight?

2. Shooting and line of sight. As you know, shooting a model requires line of sight. If a wall blocks part of the model, it's in the way. I'm fine with that, but WHY are people saying that I also have to see the entire base to be able to have an unobstructed shot? I thought it's the model not the base. Where in the rules does it talk about base?